‘Rippling Reflections’ – 2026.05.04

I have long been fascinated by reflections in water. Reflected images are fragmented by the movement of the water, forming abstract patterns of shifting colours that appear to float on the gently rippling surface of the water.

I take a lot of photos of reflections and several of my art quilts are based on this theme.

When the FAN exhibit ‘Sacred Waters’ was announced, I immediately thought of reflections in water. I reviewed my many photos of reflections and found a few possibilities.

I was initially going to use this photo taken in 2023 at the Hullo Ferry boarding dock in downtown Vancouver. I cropped and enhanced it, but realized it was still too complex for a piece measuring 16 x 20 inches (the required size for this exhibit). I cropped it even more but it still seemed too complicated. I really like the small circular reflections. I may use this photo as inspiration for a large piece in the future.

I went back to my photos and found these three, taken in Croatia in 2013, Salt Spring Island in 2012 and Florida in 2025. (the middle photo was used in 2013 to create this mini quilt.)

I traced the elements I wanted to use and created a line drawing. The large green and blue sections are hand dyed fabrics given to me by a friend. The appliqued reflections are commercial prints that reminded me of water. I started cutting and positioning the applique reflections from the top. When I got to the bottom third, I decided to change my design. I continued the center light blue reflection to the bottom and added some of the circular reflections from my 2023 boarding dock photo.

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I quilted wavy lines with a variegated blue shiny rayon thread. It is 16 x 20 inches. The title is ‘Rippling Reflections’.

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Thanks for joining me on my trip down memory lane.

I’m linking up with Nina-Marie’s Off the Wall Friday, where you’ll find many other creative and inspirational projects.

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