The humble half square triangle

Whilst making the 'Flexible Hexagonal Pavement' a few months ago I discovered a new way of working - a much more open ended, 'trial and improve' style. For me this was very different. I am used to spending a long time reseraching a subject, thinking carefully about the story I want to tell and then dwelling on the many ways I could tell that story. It is a style of work that suits me. However, this new, much more spontaneous approach to creating work fascinates me. I have suddenly been bitten by a bug that has given me more ideas than I can keep up with. As fast as I can make something I have ten more ideas that I want to try out. As a result my design walls have become covered in dozens and dozens of small samples - and still the ideas keep coming. I am excited and overwhelmed at the same time. 

Here is a brief view of what is filling my head and my studio.

Rather than continue with the hexagon shape I have reduced the number of sides I am working with and chosen to begin with triangles - half square triangles to be exact, a staple of the traditional patchworker. As I began my textile work making traditional patchwork quilts I am familiar with this shape and the many interesting patterns that can be created with them. For a time they were my nemasis - getting those points to match was something that drove me mad! Now, having probably cut and stitched many thousands of them, their corners do not torment me as they once did - they are now familiar and I am ready to do something more with them. 

3 half square triangles, joined to form a pyramid

The first thing I am exploring is joining triangles to create a module like the one above. It isn't complicated, but by joining just 3 or 4 triangles a pyramid shape is formed. If I had joined six I would be back with the familiar hexagon shape - but this pyramid offers something different - a whole new dimension to start playing with - and that opens up so many more possibilities. 

Using 6 of these pyramid modules I began my exploration. As I connected them together new and interesting shapes and forms started to develop.

Connectivity II © Claire Passmore 2019

​The more modules I connected, the more interesting things became. 

Connectivity II © Claire Passmore 2019

Connectivity II © Claire Passmore 2019

Connectivity II © Claire Passmore 2019

I find them very satistying - and also very beautiful. The jewel-like colours are particularly nice to work with. 

The other thing that I find fascinating is that all these possibilities have come from one arrangement of the triangles - depending on how they are posed or positioned, all these different forms can be made - so you need never get bored of looking at the same piece!

Connectivity II © Claire Passmore 2019

Connectivity II © Claire Passmore 2019

​If I was smarter I might understand the geometry behind all this and be able to plan - but I am rather enjoying not planning at the moment, and allowing the surprises to happen.

I will be demonstrating the print making process I use to make these modules at the West Country Quilt & Textile Show on the afternoon of 29th August. As you probably know, I belong to the superb group  'Contemporary Quilters West' and we are using our gallery space as an 'Open Studio' so visitors can see exactly how our members create their work. This piece - 'Connectivity II' , along with work by all our other members will be part of a small exhibiton also in the studio.
If you are planning on attending I look forward to meeting you!


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West Country Quilt & Textile Show: 29th - 31st August 2019. University of the West of England Exhibiton Centre (UWE), Filton, Bristol. BS34 8QZ. Website:http://westcountryquiltshow.co.uk/ 
(Free onsite parking. Use this code 'QTL' to save £2 if you buy your tickets online. )

Contemporary Quiters West (CQ West)  'Open Studio' demonstrations and meet the artists 10.am - 4pm daily. Do come and visit. 
Website: https://www.contemporaryquilterswest.org/
 

Thanks for reading.
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