Fabric Leads the way
by Ellen Lindner
I am seduced by color and contrast! These two things are always foremost in my mind throughout every step of my creative process.
It all starts when I print my own fabric using thickened dye. Sometimes I print fabrics that might eventually go together, but that’s generally not the case. These are a few that I dyed recently.
When starting a new piece, I select a favorite piece of fabric that has a lot of light/dark contrast, and a fairly large pattern. I place it off-center and try to take full advantage of the pattern. Some sort of diagonal or mismatched placement will often add energy.
I audition other fabrics that might work well. I always find more than I need, so a good bit of editing is typically required. And a LOT of trial and error. (In-progress below.)
I move things around on my design wall - a LOT. This is both challenging - which I like - and exhilarating! Eventually I come up with a composition I like and stitch it all together.
Easily Distracted