Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Horizon

This quilt was inspired by a 1957 photolithograph of a music program designed by Josef Muller-Brockmann, a Swiss graphic designer, teacher, and author (you can spend hours browsing through MOMA's online archive of images, so be forewarned).  I was struck by the effect of distance he achieved with such a limited use of shapes and colors. 

This is a quilt I didn't have time to make, but it just sort of flowed out of me, which I think is always a good sign.  It's certainly a great experience, when it happens that way.  I decided to make the quilt quite small (30 x 42), as an experiment for a larger quilt in the future.  If I get to come back to this design, I will change the proportions and quilting somewhat, but overall I am happy with what I was able to create improvisationally.
The binding, a text print from Mama Said Sew, is a nod to Muller-Brockmann's frequent use of typography. I used half inch straight line quilting across the whole quilt, changing direction to emphasize the illusion of a horizon line.

The back is a kind of psychedelic ombre dot. I think it echoes the feeling of depth from the front.
I hope to carve out some time to experiment with a few more ideas inspired by mid century modern art.


12 comments:

Carla said...

Very cool...and great photo shoot as well, Alex!

Leanne said...

It's wonderful. I am not sure I could manage to be so minimalist, one day I should give it a try.

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

Really love this - so simple but so much dimension!

MariQuilts said...

Looks fabulous!!

Josée Carrier said...

I absolutely love this. The quilting really adds dimension.

Anonymous said...

I love how simple yet effective this quilt is.

CitricSugar said...

I love its austerity.

You are my improv/modernist hero. True story.

Anne D said...

Wow. It's great. I love it

Alexis Deise said...

Perfect, perfect. Love this quilt.

Jenny @ Anything Pretty said...

Love this quilt! It is beautiful.

cinzia said...

so simple and very effective! I too would like to carve out time to explore mid-century modern art. I hae a board on pinterest with loads of inspiration...so little time!

Patty said...

This is really cool, Alex! I love how the simplicity gives it a powerful impact.