my mother, ann rhode, is the rare artist who primarily approaches her creativity with logic, rather than emotion. she is a problem solver who revels in puzzles and mazes and geometric explorations. she frequently alters traditional or established quilt blocks to construct new patterns and pathways for the eye to follow. she creates movement and depth in her quilts by varying color value or combining unexpected prints and hues. her pieces are both mathematical challenges and painterly in her color use.

and now the quilts that represent the resolution of her various concept studies will be on display at bay quilts for the month of september. following is a little preview:

lanterns (above)

the rosy, pomegranate shaped lanterns are inspired by a jill ricci painting. the nuetral, checkerboard background allows the lanterns to pop forward, creating depth and dimension.

decadent by jill ricci

what do you see?

the background cut outs from lanterns were appliquéd on african fabric, establishing a landscape in the eyes of the artist.

dancing amoebas

japanese wave shapes were drawn on triangular blocks and rotated, deconstructing the crests and forming amoebas.

flowing leaves

the colors of this quilt were inspired by a photo of autumn leaves by joseph holmes. the block design is an interpretation of japanese water seen in woodblock prints.

autumn leaves by joseph holmes

spectrum abbreviated

amoeba shaped transparencies were applied to rainbow stripes to create the looping design of this quilt.

salvaged

leftover strips were sewn together in long rows and narrow, languid vase shapes were free cut by hand. curving, oval leaf designs were quilted in the vases.