When I posted the first art piece in the Hot Cross series, Crossroads, I requested input and constructive criticism. I’m grateful for what I received. My brother, in addition to his comments, also presented me with a challenge:
He wrote: “I’m hoping one uses mixed media of some sort to look like a rustic cross made from the wood in an old barn… Consider that a challenge put forth.”
To my mind and my eye, Rustic doesn’t look like wood or an old barn, but the colors are indicative of those weathered structures one sees when traveling down a lonely rural road.
This piece incorporates burlap, with burnt edges, and hand dyed cheesecloth (not mine…created by Frieda Anderson – http://www.friestyle.com/ ). The burlap and cheesecloth were anchored with single cross stitches using hand dyed embroidery thread (also not mine…created by Laura Wasilowski – http://artfabrik.com/ ). My Sweets suggested I extend the strip piecing beyond the edge of the quilt at the top and bottom of the cross to imply rough and rugged edges.
I’m not quite sure I like the final impact of those extensions, however, since this art piece began as a challenge from my brother, I incorporated Sweets’ suggestion as an additional out-of-the-box effort.
Please let me know what you think. All input and constructive criticism is appreciated.
Rustic (link to poem)
Next up: A break from the Hot Cross series, but I’ll back to it soon.
Hilary Clark Studios 
Nicely done and thanks for the shout out! Glad I could help inspire this piece. Now when are you going to make me a quilt that replicates the Rangers stadium? 🙂
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I’d say when they win a World Series but that might happen sooner than I expect. How about by the time you turn 60? 😜
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Very interesting Hil! I really like the colors and think the burlap is an unusual touch. Would like to see this one in person to really get the feel of it.
Love, Mom xoxoxo
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Remind me to bring it with me if I come visit you before you come visit me. ☺️
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This is stunning. The color and value placement of the background is very good, with the dark red (reads as solid) fading into the hand-dyes. The yellow light behind the cross shows just enough. The big X stitches through cheesecloth are a good anchor,
taking no roughness away from the central part of the composition. For me the extensions top and bottom don’t work 100% — they would do better if they seemed more organic and not added on. But they are so close to right that I wouldn’t criticize.
I’d sure be glad if you would look at a piece of mine to suggest quilting options. It’s about 43″ x 48″ now but likely I will trim it a little still. https://catbirdquilts.wordpress.com/2016/03/30/untied-unquilted/
thanks for sharing your piece above. I feel fortunate to have seen it.
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