How to Make a Scientifically Inspired Art Quilt

ATLAS in Rose , finished art quilt
ATLAS in Rose , finished art quilt

Not too long ago,I participated in an art and physics collaboration. As a result I created this green, yellow and black art quilt,ATLAS at CERN  based on the  colors from CERN. Inspired by this abstract piece I  wanted to  attempt something similar in a different color wave. So I choose to use the colors of black, white and rose for my next scientifically inspired art quilt.

A Scientifically Inspired Art Quilt

ATLAS at CERN ,an art quilt
ATLAS at CERN, scientifically inspired art quilt

Creating Details

First, I go through my materials to find the appropriate colors of fabrics and items for the color wave I have chosen for my scientifically inspired art quilt.

Next, I think  what I want to make  to add texture or interest. This is when I begin to think about the whole quilting process and the order that I need to follow. I knew that I wanted to use a beaded necklace with a bit of pink. But I would have to wait until the quilt top was completed to actually sew it in place. Otherwise quilting the top would be a problem; the beads wouldn’t go through my machine. Moreover, I didn’t want to  wreck the beads in the process.   Hand sewing of the necklace would have to wait until the whole piece was sewn together. Yet, I would still have to keep the location of the necklace in mind as I worked.

Other Details

Continuing with other details,I found a repurposed  zipper in just  the right color. I created a starburst mirroring the actual scientific view after the splitting of atoms. Then, I chose rose colored embroidery threads to couch (zigzagg)  with matching colored thread. I also couched several different decorative threads and a piece of  stretchy webbing onto black pieces of fabric to create a pleasant contrast. A running stitch of rose colored embroidery threads through black fabric was also made. Lastly, I created a black 3D fabric flower to adorn a rose colored  piece of fabric.

ATLAS in Rose
ATLAS in Rose selecting fabrics

A Scientifically Inspired Art Quilt On the Design Wall

I like to choose fabrics with movement. It was serenditious to find so many black and white fabrics with  circles and dots that lent themselves  well to ascientifically inspired art quilt. These would go well with the oval placement in the center of the beaded necklace. The black and white stripes contrasted geometrically. I created further stripes by couching black decorative threads and black ribbon on white fabric. I used black sewing thread for low or no contrast.

ATLAS in Rose, art quilt a work in progress
ATLAS in Rose, work on design wall

The Finished Top

ATLAS in Rose , finished art quilt
ATLAS in Rose , finished art quilt

Here is the completed scientifically inspired art quilt. Handsewn repurposed white buttons added interest to the beaded necklace, front and center upon completion.

You may find out more  about how I create my  abstract art quilts at these links.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/07/creating-texture-in-art/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/01/creating-movement-in-abstract-art-quilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/07/why-art-and-science/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts

By Ann

Ann Baldwin May was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. She received her education from University of California, Irvine (History, BA Elementary Teaching Credential, Masters in Teaching Spanish) Her first quilting class was in 1975. She retired in 2012 after working 30 years as a bilingual teacher and Bilingual Resource Teacher in Watsonville. After making over 300 bed quilts, she turned her attention to art quilts. Ann is passionate about using repurposed materials often from the San Francisco Design Center. She has won several awards for her work. Kaiser Permanente has purchased five pieces for their Santa Cruz County facilities. Her work has been juried into shows all over the country including San Francisco and Chicago. She participates in the juried Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour. She is married and has two daughters. Ann Baldwin May Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St.#4 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 baldwinmay49@yahoo.com 831.345.1466 annbaldwinmayartquilts.com Facebook- AnnBaldwinMayArtQuilts@annbaldwinmay Instagram-annbaldwinmay

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