From the sunlight zone, through twilight and midnight, down as deep as the Hadal Trenches – bathymetry is mapping the sea floor. The ocean covers 70% of our planet’s surface and multi-beam sonar is generating visual maps of the seabed. One side of my textured silk represents the glorious colours of the depths. The reverse side is crepe de chine and indicates the depth zones through which natural structures are tracked. Complex sonar devices provide visual references for the ever-changing environment of the deep.
The two sided quilt uses natural silks; their differing textures create the story. The striking watercolour silk painting technique on the textured pongee shows the glorious colours of the deep, down through the rocks to the sea floor. I have used some black gutta to strengthen the outlines of hard surfaces. Waving free machine quilting leads the eye down with heavier textural quilting. Side two, on painted crêpe de chine, shows outlining with gutta, denoting depths and a ship sending sound waves to rebound, indicating the undulations of surfaces below. Printed information is appliquéd. Free machine quilting enhances the details.
