posted by kathy on Fri 25 Sep 2009
Recently I have started working with large scale digital photos to create more photo-realistic art quilts. I find that with my art quilts, I was always getting frustrated that I couldn’t accurately capture the true depth and three-dimensionality of my subject or theme, so by switching to the use of photography I can better achieve this.
I start with a high quality digital camera (at least 10 mega pixels) so that I can get large high definition (HD) quality images. I take my photos at the highest setting to get the largest image possible. I prefer a camera that is small enough to carry with me in my purse. You never know when you’re going to find something that is a perfect theme for an art quilt!
I then digitally manipulate the photo. Because I’m already a highly technical computer savvy person, I have a lot of training in this area. However, even a person with limited computer skills can use tools like Photoshop Elements to digitally manipulate their photos. My goal in using this software and in creating my art quilts is NOT to simply print the photo large-scale and as-is. I spend a considerable amount of time manipulating each photo into a work of art. I probably spend as much time making the photo into a an art quilt as most other fiber artists spend piecing their quilt top.
I then send my photos out to be printed onto 6oz cotton (slightly heavier than the normal quilter’s cotton). I print all my work at FabricOnDemand.com. If you want a lighter weight cotton (4.2oz) you can print your art quilt at Spoonflower.com. Prices are comparable.
I then proceed to sandwich the art quilt in a normal manner and then thread paint the quilt. I am happy to say this process produces the art quilts that I love, and I plan to continue using this process going forward. I am happy to have found a method that blends my experience with computer technology with my love for art.
April 5th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Great info-sounds like you found your voice! and loved the song your husband wrote for you… Thanks for sharing!
April 29th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Hi Kathy!
I had the pleasure of meeting you today at the Quilt Fest in Denver- thanks so much for explaining how you did your beautiful antique truck photo quilt.
I have been reading here on your web site, reading my camera book and playing with the settings, and am researching stuff about Photoshop Elements for Mac- because I want to move in this direction too!
I LOVE to take photographs and am just now learning how a camera really works. We are taking a trip to Italy this summer and I am hoping my photos will be good enough for me to work and play with…
My photos and thread painting- which I have only just learned, but find fascinating- I can’t think of a more exciting combination for quilts!
I really appreciate your generosity in sharing what you do.
Christa
April 29th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Christa, thanks for the nice comments about my work. Definitely read up on your camera so that you are comfortable with how it works. The Photoshop Elements image on this page should click you through to Adobe get the rebate if you don’t already have the software.
If you do decide to send your images off to be printed on fabric, remember that the printing ink is often going to show up darker than you might expect (aka, “darks are darker”) I do adjust all the darker parts of my images to be slightly lighter so that they print the way I want them to.
I can’t wait to you see your upcoming work!
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Saw “Old and Rusty” at the Denver National. It was stunning! Perfect size–it made a monumental statement. Thanks for sharing the companies who will print images so large.
I think you are on a roll!