Ahhhh….nothing like a good quilt show to get those creative juices blasting!
What could be better than that? – Interviewing the top quilter in Australia (according to the 2012 Best of the Best award at the AQC last week) and asking her what goes on in that brilliant head of hers when she is making another award-winning quilt!
While we are waiting for our video interviews from the show, I can share with you that Merelyn Pearce found an inspiration (the artwork of Australian printmaker Margaret Preston) and turned it into a series of eye-popping masterpieces.
Creating a body of work requires diligence, patience, passion, and lets be frank here…maybe sometimes a little OCD? (Read about famous creative people with OCD here.) I don't know if that includes Merelyn, but I must admit I got a little short of breath when inspecting the minute applique and stitching details on her large intricate quilts!
One of the things I enjoy at quilt shows is watching and listening to people admiring the quilts. In the case of Merelyn's work, they get up VERY close, gasp, hold their breath, then gasp again and say "How did she DO that?!" Well gosh we all know what it takes – *wink* – tens of thousands of hours of practice, infinite patience, good eyesight (or good glasses!), a steady hand, and the willingness to do whatever it takes, no matter how long it takes.
The reason it blows us away is because it is hard to imagine taking on any commitment that will take that much time…as our lives get busier and our days are filled with more information, more obligations, more more MORE….
And yet, there comes a point where we have no choice but to give it all up just so we can take the time to do something that makes us happy…something that will heal our body, mind and soul.
So why wait? Start sewing now! *grin*
Trip and quilt images will be posted all week on my photo page.
Many sincere and humble thanks to all the quilters who opened their hearts and homes during my visit to Australia – special thanks to Pam, Leslie, Sue and Jenny!
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Hi,
Im from Melbourne, but currently living in Hong Kong. I also happened to be visiting home, at the same time as the AQC, so spent a lovely afternoon looking at all the beautiful quilts. I was reminded though just how expensive quilting fabric is back in Australia, and was wanting to tell everyone “have you heard of equilter?” It is even difficult to buy good quilting fabric here in HK, so am still thankfull for equilter.
thanks, Anna
As a fledgling quilter (only 5 years) with a special love for the process of hand appllique, I want to say thanks for bringing the images of Merelyn Pearce into my view. Astounding work ! NOW I know the heights to strive for.
I spent Sunday morning visiting and photographing the quilts on display – I just wish I knew that you would be there because I would have sought you out! The quilts on show were absolute masterpieces and they were stunning. Maybe I will see you in Boulder in October!
Janette