The human face. For centuries artists have been fascinated by the features of the human face. This tradition continues with today’s Fabric Collage Finish Line.
These artists found inspiration from different sources. Ria Mille got her inspiration from professional photographer Jimmy Nelson’s portrait of an Inuit hunter. Anita Liberman-Lampear continues to find inspiration in her grandchildren. And Mary McKay commemorates her friendship with another Mary in her portrait (above).
Tom tends to select the quilt submissions for these Finish Line posts in the order that they are sent to us, though in this case, he did pick out the first portraits he came to. What I just realized is that I personally know all three of the artists and have worked with them in one or more classes. I can picture their faces as I enjoy looking at and reading about their portraits. 😉
To me, faces represent some of the most difficult fabric collage subjects, so the successful portraits seen in this post represent an understanding of not only fabric collage but of artistic theories such as color and value and form. Well done, ladies. Thank you for sharing not only your art, but your stories as well.
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If you too have a finished fabric collage quilt and story that you would like to share in a Finish Line post, please click on the submit button below for more info. Thank you.
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Interested in attending a 2025 Fabric Collage class with Susan? Both in-person and online classes are scheduled and open for registration. Click the 2025 link below for more information, including dates, fees, and descriptions.
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Further Susan Carlson Learning Resources include: Facial Features eWorkshop, website, Serendipity Quilts, patterns, blog (in general), YouTube videos, Spiral eWorkshop, Sea Turtle eWorkshop, Fabric Collage Online Master Class, Patreon. , and our February Fantastical Fish and Summertime’s Fascinating Bugs and Butterfly Work-Alongs
Ria Mille
From Ria Mille of Belgium:
After having collaged about 25 animals it was time to tackle a different subject. I found inspiration in a beautiful book by Jimmy Nelson, “Before They Pass Away”. Jimmy is a world famous photographer who travels around the globe in order to capture life of small tribes. With his permission I started this new project. As I never tried human faces it was quite a challenge, especially as I wanted to honour Mr Nelsons work.
For the eyebrows and chin I used black tule, sometimes 2 or 3 layers in order to get the right result. On the cheeks red tulle was the perfect solution to mimic the frostbite.
The hood was a different challenge altogether. I tried lace, all kinds of woolly fabric, white cotton with prints, nothing worked. Finally I found salvation in real sheepskin cut into tiny pieces and glued on a background of small off-white squares.
Last weekend my Inuit figured in the Birmingham Quilt Event amidst 1200 other quilts. Next project? The Afghan girl by Steve McCurry.
Anita Liberman-Lampear
From Anita Liberman-Lampear of Ann Arbor, MI:
The Star: Lavey Benjamin is part of a series of celestial collages of my 3 grandchildren. The first two were inspired by her drawings of the sun and the crescent moon. When Lavey was born, I decided he would just have to be my star! I chose this one because I think in this quilt I finally understood and showed that understanding of eyes, noses and mouths. While I have others that I am really proud of, this one is where those features finally clicked.
I love the process and I love the challenge of fabric selection to obtain the color, shadows and bringing the objects to life. Susan has really sparked my love for art quilting collage and this quilt represents a part of that.
Mary McKay
From Mary McKay of Palm Desert, CA:
I have been working on collage portraits for a few years and wanted to try something a little easier and faster for a friend. I don’t generally make collages for others; but, I’ve known Mary since I was 12. I knew her parents and I know her kids and grandkids and I hope to meet her great grand daughter.
Deciding that her face would be perfect as a sun was an easy decision. Mary is one of those rare people who is forever young—at 87, she still swims and works out. As a role model on life, living, and aging, she is a rock star. Creating “Mary’s Sun” was great fun. I think it’s whimsical and has energy. I was confidant that however it developed, she would love it—and she does.
