A few weeks ago I taught a weekend class at Ballarat with the ‘Ballaarat Quilters’ (Ballaarat is, apparently the original spelling).

A resourceful and active group, I would recommend to anyone living in or near Ballarat.

After a dose of mind boggling design theory, these enthusiastic and clever girls are well on their way to making an original art quilt.

I had a wonderful time enjoying their hospitality and 20th year celebrations.

Since 1997, this program has encouraged textile artists from across Australia to enter their work in an exhibition of original art quilts that respond to a given theme.

The theme chosen for 2015 AQIPP exhibition is an endorsement of the United Nations International Year of Light. Light and Light is the third exhibition to be held at the Whitehorse Artspace, located at Box Hill Town Hall (Melbourne).

The exhibition opens today (13/11/2015) and runs until December 23rd. For more details please contact 92626250, whitehorseartspace.com.au.

My entry ‘Under the Jacaranda’ is a large quilt, measuring180x120cm. The Jacaranda is a gorgeous tree that flowers from now until Christmas.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Like a sentinel stands the Jacaranda in the parkland,

Summer sun filtering through its feathery leaves.

The lives of the magpies seem carefree as they cavort

Amongst the gathering carpet of violet petals.

Whole cloth quilt, cotton, raw edge applique, silk organza, fabric paint and stencil, thread sketching and free motion quilting on domestic machine.