Helen Fujiki of West Hill, Ontario was the featured instructor for the Parksville Quilters' Guild annual Fall Workshop Sessions this past weekend. The eclectic trunk show included her quilted interpretations of Japanese "manhole covers" artworks as dotted throughout Japan.
Helen's addiction to this "drainspotting" phenomenon, has led her to create 120(!) thus far of these amusing and exquisite fabric replicas of the original ironwork covers inlaid within the streetscapes of nearly 1780 municipalities throughout Japan. (Her website features a slideshow, etc.) www.helenfujiki.com
"Fuji Wa" is undoubtedly Helen's most recognized quilt as it was featured on the cover of The Canadian Quilter Newsletter Autumn 2008 edition. A masterpiece depicting the Japanese balance of seasons earned Outstanding Work by a First-Time Exhibitor and The Viewer's Choice Awards at the CQA/ACC Quilt Canada National Juried Show held in Newfoundland that same year.
Most of Helen's quiltbacks (at least the ones I turned) incorporate dark fabrics, which showcases her free quilting style while highlighting my favorite artistic element--THREAD!
Students focus on creating their own unique quilts based on Helen Fujiki's (above R) techniques: “Fuji Wa” is the style of combining patchwork, panels, and appliqué (Broderie Perse and conventional machine and hand appliqué) to create Asian inspired hangings. "Celebrate your individuality" is Helen's message.
I was a little busy myself in the adjacent room teaching a Texture F.U.N. class (see this next Blog posting); however, when I dropped over to browse, I did notice lots of fabulous fabrics along with metallic Threads in use--always a treat for me.
One of the best-kept-secrets of the Parksville Quilters' Guild Workshops is their popular Potluck lunches! Kudos to the Workshop Committee and Chair Margaret Furnell (above far L) for another very successful event--well done!
If any guild members were unable to participate in this weekend,
more exciting opportunities are scheduled for March 2011.
Not a member? CLICK on Membership and Activities:
...See Part 2 of this event.
Cinderella
