I have seen this quilt firsthand, as it is in the permanent collection of New York's Museum of Art and Design. It is a huge, scintillating work of abstract art. To my eye it is better than a similar painting would be, because it has stronger lines and brighter colors. James hides his quilting in the piecing seams, so the surface is quite smooth.
Jane Sassaman is known for her flamboyant-but-true plant forms and gorgeous compositions. The look of her quilts is unique; the craftsmanship is exquisite. Quilting and embroidery enhance the lines and add fine detail.
Ruth McDowell is my favorite maker of representational quilts. She pushes fabric piecing to its limits, but she also understands its limits and makes them work for her. Look at the wonderful way the striped and plaid fabrics support the abstraction in her figures. Look at the composition of wild background prints and its contribution to the mood.
Peaceful, exciting, amazing. Heavily influenced by Impressionist thinking.
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