Art Talk: Creating Textile Art

This project started with a vision. I saw what I wanted to create in my mind and then the process began. I knew that I wanted the lions to be free outside in the vast wilderness. I chose the blue floral sky background to balance the fierceness of the "King of the Jungle" and the tall blades of grass to surround them. First came the sketch and then the color sequence developed as the piece began to grow. I had to do a lot of research because I wanted the lions to look realistic. Like all animals, their coats consist of many shades of colors. My next move was to choose the fabric to create multiple layers. A lion's mane is one of its major features so I cut the fabric in small pieces to give it volume. Their beautiful faces have so much character - from their eyes to their chin fur. I feel that focusing on the details really helped the piece to come together in the end.