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What's Black and White and Red All Over?By Michele Lecrivain
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Over the last five years I have done a series of fourteen black, white and red quilts (this is #15). The dramatic high contrast of this color palette appeals to me on many levels. When I first heard of this challenge the only riddle I remembered from childhood came immediately to mind. Perhaps this riddle surfaced because of my preference for these colors, or maybe, most likely, this zebra needed to make his appearance.
This piece lived in my head for a long time before it came to life. I just couldnāt seem to see how the zebra would be reading - recliner, kitchen chair, backyard lounge. Nothing worked for me, or more importantly, nothing worked for the zebra. Where would the legs go? How would he hold the newspaper? One day I just began sketching zebras: sitting, standing, lying on one side, etc. Finally, my newspaper-reading zebra emerged. His posture was to proprietary, "Iāll sit on the sofa if I want to!" It seemed only right to make the divan of red silk fabric. Then began a search for the newspaper, and again, nothing was forthcoming. Why would a zebra care to read the LA Times or the Wall Street Journal? Eventually I settled on my own Zoo News, with articles I thought a zebra would enjoy. Rather print directly onto fabric, I chose the Avery transfer to achieve a more paper-like texture. The zebra was hand drawn and painted with Seta-Color fabric paint, padded with batting and hand appliqud. I decided add eyeglasses are symbolic of a personal journey. Last year my vision began to rapidly deteriorate. After two separate surgeries to remove cataracts, I am grateful daily to have restored vision, but am quite dependent on reading glasses for all close work. The zebraās red and silver pince-nez are a salute to my surgeon, Dr. Helm. |