The Layers of the Grand Canyon
Structures #16 © 2003 48" x 35"
Another piece informed by my backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon. Although the title of this piece is the usual Structures #something I always think of this quilt as simply "layers".
One of the things people that visit the Grand Canyon like to discuss and study are the types and ages of the different rock layers that make up the canyon. The hike down into the canyon is a trip through history through some very ancient stones. Each layer has distinct properties and how these layers shift throughout the canyon is interesting geology.
This website has a brief introduction into the different layers of the canyon. This page shows the layers in order. The guys on my backpacking trip spent a lot of time determining who knew the most about these rocks.
Coconino Sandstone, the Kaibab, Vishnu Schist, the Tonto Platform: these are all terms I heard over and over again.
When I came home I dyed a batch of new fabric in the colors my mind remembered the canyon and made a group of pieces to capture my experience.
The above quilt is all about these layers, and it apparently bears no resemblance to reality. I showed this completed quilt to one of the guys that went on the trip with me and he pointed out I got the layers not only in the wrong order, the wrong size but even the wrong colors. When I tried to explain that it was the concept of the layers that I was looking to capture and not the real layers he was not impressed. Abstraction is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea.
I realize yesterday’s and tonight’s post are quite a departure from my recent pondering about the direction I want to take my art career. Selling, markets, goals, etc.
I have a zillion ideas swimming around in my head. All of your comments were incredibly helpful, so thank you all. There were some specific comments and questions that I want to respond to but I need some more time to think. So I’m taking a breather and posting what I call my "grand canyon quilts" this week while I try to clarify my thoughts further.
Posted by Lisa in: Abstract Contemporary Textile Art, Inspiration
Tagged: goals, grand canyon, Inspiration, Structures Series
Olga said,
August 7, 2007 @ 3:14 am
Your guys made me laugh - the difference between inspiration and constipation!! I spent only two days at the Grand Canyon many years ago, and only saw the layers close to when in a small plane. I love what you have done with both quilts, especially #16.
The Grand Canyon is just so difficult to capture, and one of my favourite artists approached it in a way that echoes quilting. Here is an article about them: http://www.nga.gov.au/Hockney/index.cfm David Hockney produced a group of paintings which consist of a patchwork of individual canvases, each with it’s own direct focus. I was lucky enough to see these paintings at two exhibitions, and at one of them a pompous show-off also said that the colours were all wrong!
Robin said,
August 7, 2007 @ 11:57 am
This quilt is just lovely! I really like the color combinations and flow of the design. Great work!
I noticed that you show quite a bit of your new work. Are you ever concerned that some shows have rules against showing your work in public before they can accept it? Over here we have a big multimedia show once a year and they have that rule. It makes me frustrated because when I finish something special, I really want to show it off!
Lisa Flowers Ross said,
August 7, 2007 @ 7:20 pm
I am enjoying this Grand Canyon quilts. I have lots of pictures of striped rocks from the national parks in Utah. Someday I will get to making something with them in mind.
Lisa Call said,
August 7, 2007 @ 9:01 pm
Olga - thanks for the link - that piece is amazing. I love that his colors aren’t perfect either.
Lisa - thanks - I love rocks - go for it!
Robin - I don’t show all of my new work. The best of it I tend to hold back until I know where it might first appear in the world (if it will appear at all). I don’t enter many juried shows anymore so I’m not too concerned with the rules (although when I make a quilt I think might make the cut for my QN entry I never show it anywhere until after the jury process given their strict rules).
I have a pile of new pieces that were finished in the last month or 2. These will not be shown or a while because I’ve got 2 solo shows coming up next March and I want fresh work for both of them.
I know your feeling of wanting to show things off right away but I make enough work to show some of it and hold some back. I’m never really sure where the line should be drawn on what to show and not so I tend to just go with instinct and hope that works.