Viewpoints 9 (Cycle 7) Challenge 3

Title of Work: Autumn

Artist Statement:

Leaves on the trees tell us that autumn is here when they turn from green to red! Autumn leaves are rich in color and beauty, and they are the best metaphors for our middle-aged life. How beautiful they are when trees are dyed in vibrant red and orange colors and life is like a rainbow. Autumn is short, but the most beautiful time of a leaf is even shorter. The red autumn color is what a leaf has spent its entire life to become. When a leaf is running out of energy, as wind blows gently, it falls to the ground and become a dead one. A leaf's life is over, and it stays on the ground and becomes dust. It’s the life cycle of Nature. I like autumn very much, but the beautiful natural scenery is always short. It reminds us to cherish every moment.

I picked up 3 fresh leaves during a walk, and got along with them day and night, from inspiration to completion. They aroused my curiosity, and therefore I created this work. Change of seasons, the birth, aging, sickness and death of a leaf is really like an epitome of life. It is indescribable. I am grateful for the philosophy of life taught by leaves during the creative process. I finish hand sewing the work and reveal it after 45 days of learning. I am grateful for what I have gained.

Materials: recycled fabrics, printmaking wiping fabrics (tarlatan and polyester), artist’s dyed fabrics, commercial cotton prints, satin, lace, gauze, Romanian thread

Techniques: hand stitched, hand pieced, hand appliquéd, hand quilted

Size: H 41" x W 41"

Ideas and Thoughts:

Color of Leaves

I like to observe the changes in the color of veins in a leaf. I put the 3 leaves in front of my desk. After a few months, I discover how amazing Nature is. These 3 leaves are fascinating and attract me to further explore new creative topics.

Autumn Vibes

Materials are the backbone of a work. Once again, I challenge myself with unfamiliar textiles. I choose fibers that interest me to create. I am looking forward to exploring deeper into more possibilities. It is the value of adventures.