Returning Home by Ann Fahl

Price: $3,500.00  Size: 48 x 53 inches
Additional Images: 1  2  3  4 

You are viewing Ann's quilted celebration about the return of Honu, which is the Hawaiian Green Turtle. At last, they have returned to lay their eggs on the beach of Kaho‛olawe, Hawaii. As a gardener, born in Hawaii, Ann has contributed to the naturalization of this tiny island near Maui. It is a fascinating project to watch as this former WWII bombing target is transformed into a native habitat with the work of many staff and volunteers!

This turtle is set on a background of watery colored fabric squares pieced together. She is swimming past some ocean vegetation and above the ocean floor. Some liberties were taken by the artist to add richness, elegance and color to the central figure. If you look closely, you will find seven tiny turtles swimming around in the seaweed too.

The sea floor is littered with rocks, leaves and tiny scraps from earlier quilts. All the design elements are fused, appliqued and embroidered over the background. Shiny variegated threads add surface interest and detail to the scene. The machine quilting holds all the layers together. Variegated threads are also used in this stitching to add texture and richness to the background.

The quilt edges are faced with blending fabric strips. This allows the viewer to look at the animal and the surroundings without being distracted by a contrasting edge treatment. Wool batting is used for the middle layer. It is signed, AHF in the lower right corner.