"Eclipse" by Mary Tyler

Cotton, batting, hand dyed cotton, cotton thread. 15.5" x 32.5" x 0.25", 0.25 lb. 2021. "Eclipse" is based on a computer generated fractal image. It has been altered in a digital imaging program and printed on cotton. There is a sleeve for hanging.

I started my creative life as a weaver. This covered 20 years or so, then I decamped to Asia for 3 years and returned with a different focus. In Malaysia I studied with an Indonesian batik master, Mr Luk, who introduced me to the wonders of cold water dyes. On returning to the States, I dyed silk, made artists’ books and started making quilts with hand dyed cottons. I moved to Washington State, joined the Art Cloth Network and the Northwestern Designer Craftsmen and discovered fractals.

Color and pattern have always been the focus of my creative life. So, the discovery of complex and very colorful computer generated fractal images was amazing.

Fractals are complex geometric equations that are used to define and measure irregular and repeating shapes. Fractals can be found all through nature, in tree branches, fern fronds, lightning strikes, and the shoreline of England.

I select an image, render it into useable form, alter it in a graphic editing program, then send the finished image to be printed on cotton or other fabric. When the printed image is sent back to me, I topstitch and finish it.

Sometimes I use these altered geometric formulae to tell a visual story. Often, I make them just for the pleasure of it. We define the world by constructing stories. Art making is a higher form of story telling and sometimes the stories are true and sometimes the fanciful stories are more real.

See more of the artist’s work at mbtyler.net.