Viewpoints 9 (Cycle 3) Challenge 1

Title of work: Flowers Bloom and Fade Away

Theme: Use thread in a new way

Artist Statement:

I reflect on why people do not treasure the beauty when flowers bloom, but yearn for it when they fade away. There is a fragile flower in the work, as if it will drop off when wind blows. I use filament fabric to appliqué the poppy. It is very difficult sewing it, just like people embracing a thin feather of hope when they encounter crisis.

In spring, young shoots bravely emerge from the arid land under the fallen leaves which has accumulated since winter. The fertile soil nourishes flowers and makes them bloom speedy. They bloom faster than expected. It makes the world nervous and afraid of not having the chance to experience “flowers bloom and fade away”. What happened to our Mother Earth? Is she ill?

I describe it all as poppies. It’s because we are facing a nearly 9 months of drought in Taiwan. The situation of water shortage is getting worse. Just like the life of poppies, under the transient beauty, they anesthetize themselves instinctively. Waiting patiently for rain and dew descending from heaven and hoping the crisis will be eased.

I’ve been thinking about how to face the upcoming difficult situation with greater courage. I reflect on my water-use habits and realize that I did waste too much water immoderately. I was like wallowing in the comfortable and safe living condition, but never thinking about the pain of no water. What a frightening fact.

“Flowers Bloom and Fade Away” is the first work of my theme, Thinking, for Viewpoints 9-3. It depicts my mood at this moment.

Thank you, Martha, for the challenge.

Materials: hand-dyed fabrics, hand-dyed satin, commercial cottons, filament fabric, nylon fiber, Romanian thread

Techniques: hand pieced, hand appliqué, hand quilted

Size: 24”W x 48”H

For more information about Viewpoints 9, please visit: http://www.viewpoints9-3.blogspot.tw/