No Quilting at Contemporary Quilt Group
I stopped by the Contemporary Quilt Group meeting Friday morning to check out what they get up to at APCH. I had heard that the CQG meetings were very interesting and that there was always something you could learn. Having seen some amazing samples of work from CQG members at the Open Day I knew that it would be quite different to the quilting groups I attend. When members started covering the tables with plastic or newspaper and then began putting on their aprons and gloves, I was intrigued. Helen O’Hara then took the stage running an informal workshop on Gelli Printing.
As I understand the process, you put paint on a ‘gelli’ surface, spread it out with a brayer, press the fabric down on the paint, lift the fabric away and you have with a uniquely coloured piece of fabric.
I googled Gelli Printing to get a more accurate explanation: Gelli printing is a form of art to make prints called monoprinting. It uses a gelli plate, which is a soft silicone surface made with a mineral based glycerin which gives the plate a flexible and moldable surface. Acrylic paints are the main medium to use on the gelli plate. A brayer is used to spread the paint more evenly across the plate giving you more control on the amount of paint you apply. Then you lay a piece of paper or fabric on top of the plate, press down with your hands to smooth it out – and then pull it off to reveal your design.
I thoroughly enjoyed walking around the hall looking at what everyone was doing. Not having an apron with me I was quite happy with just being an observer. Everyone there was having fun, using a variety of colours and ending up with very interesting and colourful designs on paper or fabric.
I only saw the basics being done, as I was not there for long. I was told that this was not a normal CQG session, so may have to return another month to see what else they get up to. Although next month they are meeting at the Midland Junction Arts Centre to have a look at the stitched and bound exhibition with is now open.
Iris