From Memories to Hope

July 15th, 2010 | Author: Deb

Today is the reveal of the Fiberactions ”Memory” challenge. This is the story of my quilt for this challenge.

I knew from the beginning what I would portray for the “Memory” challenge. For those of us who live along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the events of April 21,2010 marked the beginning of a profound change in our lives.

(oiled Kemp’s ridley sea turtle rescued from the Gulf of Mexico;photo courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife,used with permission)

I hand dyed my background fabric and cheesecloth. The turtle bodies are hand painted batting, their shells are a combination of both hard and soft structure Tyvek painted with Lumiere and then heated.
The explosion of the Deepwater Horizon and the subsequent, ongoing oil spill created an environmental disaster of epic proportions that will be felt for years to come. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and it’s wetlands are the nurseries for countless species of wildlife. From shore and sea birds, to shrimp, oysters,and fish…including tuna. Dolphins, whales and endangered sea turtles. And we will all be touched by it in some way, be it large or small, before all is said and done. For me, it is very personal.

After retiring in the mid 1990′s, my husband and I exchanged the Chesapeake Bay for the Atlantic, Caribbean,and Gulf of Mexico as our sailing grounds. For the years since,we have sailed those beautiful waters and snorkeled countless awe-inspiring reefs before finally settling here on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Some of my fondest memories of those times are of swimming the reefs with the turtles. They are amazing and gentle creatures. They are also endangered. And now, with all our other wildlife, face even more peril.

As I watch this disaster unfold with great sadness, I remember those times and hope that the Gulf and its turtles will survive and recover. I have been so fortunate, and I hope that my granddaughters will also be able to experience the wonder of these gentle creatures.

This little quilt is both my tribute and my hope for these creatures.

Now, head on over to the Fiberactions blog to see the fabulous quilts by the other artists of our group.

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Vicki W:

July 15, 2010 at 11:48 am

I absolutely love it! It conveys the threat while still remaining an upbeat hope.

Megan:

July 15, 2010 at 3:15 pm

Absolutely gorgeous! I love how the turtle shells came out and the coloring of the water. Very touching. I really hope all the animals in the Gulf will be okay, breaks my heart to see the pictures.

Linda Card:

July 15, 2010 at 11:38 pm

I am amazed at the texture of their shells. And I see they have a sad expression on their little faces, too. I do love the quilting, though. I pray that this oil disaster will end soon without too much loss of marine life and habitat.