Music Series

Heartstrings

The Story Behind Heartstrings

Artwork Details

• Technique: Art Quilt

• Dimensions: 24" wide x 24" high

• Collection: Music Series

• Availability: ready to hang fiber sculpture

Sometimes one artwork inspires the next.

When I was creating the constructed textile fabric for The Red Violin, I wasn't sure how much material I would need, so I made a piece much larger than necessary.

When the violin was finished, I was left with a substantial amount of the red textile.

Rather than putting it away for another day, a new idea immediately came to mind.

Most of my artwork develops gradually as I work through the design in my mind. Heartstrings was different. The entire concept appeared almost instantly. I could already see the finished piece, and after creating The Red Violin and grand piano sculpture, I knew exactly how to bring it to life.

The heart itself was constructed from layers of foam core with four-inch sides to give it depth and a sculptural presence. After covering the entire form with the red constructed textile, I carefully punched holes around most of the perimeter and threaded gold cord through them to create the strings.

For the finishing touch, I wanted something authentic.

I found a pair of used violin bows on eBay and mounted them across the top of the heart, completing the illusion that this was not simply a heart, but a musical instrument.

Heartstrings combines two lifelong passions, music and fiber art, into a single sculpture. It also reminds me that creative ideas don't always arrive slowly. Sometimes they appear all at once, just waiting for the right materials and the right moment to bring them to life.