While working on the first set of words & trying to specifically position the coloured fabric pieces underneath the calico, a few days ago found that the scraps were too small. I switched techniques as thought it better to use a type of reverse appliqué since it also could symbolise the infliction of certain acts (eg. cut into, cover up). Also, individual calico strips will be easier to handle but also would enable another set of strips to be inserted between them if suitable. As all the fabrics selected were generally scraps or off-cuts (appropriately chosen to symbolise each emotive word), it now seemed more important to depict the progression of individual ‘events or actions’ with clear boundaries - visually quite separate when joined together.
Having outlined the first set of words (above) on the calico, it became clear that ‘opposing’ ones now were essential - after all, the panel was to depict the effect of Anger & as it was progressing - to display both negative & positive ones. Having just sufficient red silk to cut into strips, the decision was made to use ‘strip’ patchwork for joining together all words - the silk symbolising specific heart-felt feelings when encountering Anger (eg. Love). This particular type of patchwork would also depict any emotive words as being “stripped bare” or “stripped away”.
Placing the multicolour cotton pieces under each letter of the words, all calico strips had their fabric layers tacked into position ready for straight-stitching around each outlined letter to secure all layers in place at the outlined edge. After this was completed for each word, the calico letter-shape was cut away close to the straight stitching, to reveal the assorted colours of the printed cotton underneath - image below showing all 9 words ready for the next stage.
