‘Witch Hazel Magic’ – 2024.03.17

I created this piece in February in response to a SAQA call for entry titled Renewal. This is a regional juried exhibition for Canadian SAQA members. I was thrilled to receive a notification a few days ago that it has been accepted.

One of the prompts was “the cycles of nature: spring growth, forest regeneration, a new moon”. I focused on the concept of spring regrowth and renewal. I wasn’t inspired by cherry blossoms, snowdrops or crocuses – they all seemed too predictable. Then I remembered the witch hazel plants that grow in my neighbourhood. When I see the witch hazel blooming in December or January, it always brings me hope that spring is on the way.

Witch hazel flowers are very small (1-2 inches in diameter) but a close-up look reveals the intricately tangled, ribbon-like petals in a variety of colors.  What these fragrant little flowers lack in size, they make up for in quantity and timing.  They bloom in late winter well before other plants begin leafing out and poking green shoots out of the ground.

Here is one of many recent photos taken in January. I really liked the blurry background in this one (more luck than skill on my part). I enhanced the image with a computer program to boost the colors. The photo on the right is the result.

I printed the enhanced image on prepared fabric. I layered it on felt and then quilted it. The petals are outlined with black 50 wt thread, and the branches with gray. I quilted the background with wavy diagonal lines using lilac 80 wt thread.

I called it ‘Witch Hazel Magic‘. It is 14 x 16 inches.

Here is a close-up view of the quilting.

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I’m linking up with Nina-Marie’s Off the Wall Friday.

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