NicQuiltz

When our submission to exhibit in this gallery was accepted, I knew I wanted to create something with strong visual impact for the back (eastern) wall - it is the view that dominates the gallery as you enter. My Elements series is the result of that idea.

Elements - Earth is first. To express the concept of Earth, I chose quite a pictorial piece with a whimsical tree as the embodiment of the cycle of growth and life all around us. I used organza, silk and satin to create my image, enhanced with dense quilted spirals and ferns adding another layer of visual and textural interest.

Air was a tricky concept to express visually - air is by nature not visible. I took inspiration from the isometric charts we see on the weather reports, which impact our lives and the world around us every day. This piece is a wholecloth on cotton sateen, embellished with paint and very dense quilting in many colours.

I chose to express Fire in a less literal way than I might have - Fire is a two-sided element, bringing both destruction and rebirth. This piece features hand-dyed cotton, silk organza and silk paper, recycled fabric and of course lots of quilting.

Water was the first piece I made, and came to me far more easily than the others. On hand-painted silk and satin, I have stitched raindrops (or maybe teardrops) and flowing water and bubbles. Velvet and organza have been appliqued, and lastly more paint added to create a soft colour gradation in the top section.

I have been thrilled with the way this series has been received, and the visual impact the display has had in the gallery. Stay tuned for part 3, either tonight or tomorrow.