Magnolia Grandiflora III: Resurrected

Method: machine quilted, machine raw-edge appliqued, machine thread painted, hand & machine constructed
Materials: Cotton, vinyl, reclaimed & other textiles, thread, cotton batting, polyester stuffing, aluminum wire

Continuing in my Magnolia Grandiflora series I delve further into my fascination with this prehistoric tree. The opposition of the soft, smooth tepals (petals), the curves of the stigmas in the center, and the hard, sharp seed pods have led me to further exploration and abstraction. Originally the elements of this piece were attached to a canvas. While the extensive quilting helps fight gravity its weight made the piece awkward to hang and to handle. I decided to cut the pulled stitching threads and release it from the surface to become a freestanding sculpture. The piece still holds the movement and tension but with better balance.