The Old Apple Tree

We live in very rural Maine next to a town called Appleton.  Everywhere here there are ancient apple trees:  they were the winter feed for farm animals in the days of yore.  Most of them aren't terribly tasty, but the birds and deer and wild critters love them.  The scent of the blossoms charms the air in spring, the summer watches the buds morph into incipient apples, and the color begins to show as it is time for children to return to school.  Late autumn is scented with apples that have fallen and fermenting with the leaves, getting ready for winter.  

From the time we moved in, during a very snowy February, I have admired the architecture of this one tree along the driveway.  Like many of the other 20-plus trees on our 11 acres, it has endured decades.  This one looks almost like the form a prize fighter celebrating his win.  I've taken photos in every season, but the stark contrast of the bark against the white of the snow -- even on a dreary gray winter's day -- captivates me.  In this image, we've had a very heavy snowfall but without wind since the inches of snow remain on the branches and the stone wall just behind it. 

Size:  59" tall by 86" wide.

Materials:  Artist-dyed and commercial cottons, fusible (adhesive) web, wool blend batting, polyester thread, stabilizer, textile paint, artist-made thermofax screens.  

Techniques:  fused collage, painting, screen printing, free-motion machine quilting.

Awards:  Best in Judged, Maine Quilts 2022.  Honorable Mention, Art Quilts, Pacific International Quilt Festival 2022.

Available for sale; this quilt is still being shown so check to see when it will be available for delivery.  If you are interested in this piece, please email me via the contact page as I prefer not to use PayPal for major works.  

Price:  $13,250.