Zebraz

Size: 99” w x 42” h (2005)

This was the first in a series I did of African Endangered Species. The Grevy's zebra is the largest of the wild equids. Its very narrow and closely spaced stripes make it the most strikingly beautiful of all the zebras. The stripes are a form of camouflage called disruptive coloration that breaks up the outline of the body. When zebras are grouped together, their stripes make it hard for predators to pick out one to chase. Another interesting note: if a zebra sees a wall painted in black and white stripes, it will go stand next to it!

This started out as an idea to do an entirely black and white quilt...no other colours. I found this impossible to do. I love colour too much! So the challenge became having  it "read" as black and white, but use many different shades of light and dark to add interest. This one took about 3 months from start to finish. Several photos of individual zebras were combined for this composition.

Over 800 individual pieces machine appliqué, decorative yarn couching in the manes, some sections have been hand-painted for further definition or colour variation, and free-motion machine quilted.

This Artquilt was accepted into the Canadian Quilter’s Association National Juried Show  at the Wilfred Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, May 25th - May 28th, 2005.  Awarded BEST OF SHOW.  Also awarded VIEWER'S CHOICE.

Publications: 

• Applied Arts Magazine, Oct. 2005 in an article on artist and her work. 

• Canadian Quilter Magazine, Cover, Fall, 2005

• Canadian Quilter Magazine, Article by artist, Winter, 2005

Appraised Value: $10,500.00