Ricky is Inspired by Fire to Make a Quilt

He writes, "Life events often spark moments of creativity. Where quilting is concerned I have to be in my studio for that creativity to happen. The months following the Spring wildfire found me gone far more than I have been home. In early September I had a quilt retreat and on the fourth day I sketched out the pattern for this quilt and got a few pieces joined. I realized that my drawing required far more partial seaming than normal, but I figured I could tackle the challenge. Firestorm: Rage is the first of what I suspect will be several quilts expressing what I felt and saw during the horrific fire.

Every journey starts with a step. This quilt is just a first step.

The quilt is 27” x 27” and is all pieced and free motion quilted on my Bernina. The fabrics are my hand-dyes."

After the Spring wildfire, many people reached out to Ricky and Justin and wanted to help. Now, they have found a way to make a difference for the entire area. Learn what you can do to help reforest and bring back the animals to this devastated area. Click here to learn how you can help reforest 1800 acres.

Comments

#11 Peggy Martin 2018-09-22 21:12

I have had many quilting friends lose their homes to wildfires in the San Diego area in the past several years - I was so glad when I learned that your home was safe!! It helps to work through our feelings by making quilts - so therapeutic for everyone!

#10 Peggy Mislock 2018-09-22 14:05

Your simple and uncomplicated design captured the starkness of what must have been a living nightmare. We followed the news reports of the Colorado and Northern California (where I'm from) fires 24/7. Please be careful this Winter. The snows and rain can have a devastating effect of their own. So glad you both were safe and everything was intact when you got back home.

#9 helenpc 2018-09-22 09:56

Love the quilt very eye catching

#8 ceecee7 2018-09-21 21:14

I love the simplicity of this piece, though I can see what you mean about partial seaming. The quilting is beautiful and is perfect for this quilt. For me, creating after a traumatic life event helps in the healing process, and I hope this is true for you and Justin as well. I love your quilt "Firewall" and it evokes many emotions in me. I don't think it is a coincidence that "Firewall" was done not long before this fire. Sending hugs.

#7 Quilterlynn 2018-09-21 14:40

Always lemons to lemonade that Ricky of ours!

#6 ccoolio 2018-09-21 12:56

Of all natural disasters, fire is the one that seems to draw forth the most creativity. I am looking forward to seeing the next one(s) -- Ricky, you've got a terrific start!

#5 Patti Hempen 2018-09-21 12:29

It's beautiful, but also frightening to even imagine. So happy you and Justin are are safe and nothing was harmed. We all love you both very much ♥️♥️

#4 Mmingo777 2018-09-21 10:19

WOW Amazing how the creative mind can create such impressive art from a terrible event.

#3 ann 2018-09-21 10:08

it only dredges up painful memories for me.

#2 Laura Fogg 2018-09-21 09:41

Ricky- that is such an evocative piece. Here in northern CA we are having a show called "Out of the Ashes." I hope you are doing/will do something similar...maybe the whole thing could go on The Quilt Show??? It sure helps to process some of the complicated, undefined feelings by doing art...and then do ing it again. thanks for this piece!

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