Sunflower
24" x 24" (61 x 61 cm)
I live in Kansas where the sunflower is the state flower. We have been here for almost 30 years and just a few years ago, I discovered a sunflower farm not far from where we live. It is a destination for many, including those who like to take annual family photos and mark the time in terms of years and the seasonal arrival of fall.
This piece is inspired by a photo I took last year. I found the back of the sunflowers to be just as interesting as the front and the bug was an added bonus. The bug is a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus), or leatherwing.
Artist Statement: Living in Kansas, where the sunflower is the state flower, I chose a photo as inspiration for this nature challenge. Nature, to me, includes both flora and fauna so the sunflower with a bug is a great example of plants and insects in the region where I live.
Technique: The piece is put together using a freezer paper, turned-edge appliqué method. The appliqué is stitched by machine using a monofilament thread. Prismacolor pencils were used to add shadows and highlights.
Materials: cotton fabric, monofilament and cotton thread, wool/cotton blend batting, Prismacolor pencils.
