In November, I attended the 2006 International Quilt Festival in Houston to expand my textile-making knowledge and technique. One of the classes I took, Accidental Landscapes, was taught by Karen Eckmeier.

In Eckmeier's method, the artist cuts out each layer of the landscape randomly: the sky, mountains, a straight body of water, and the landscape pieces below. The horizontal pieces of fabric are then top-stitched together.

  
Winter Wave: central image and back

Winter Wave: 26"x 18", 2006
(private collection, 2007)
 

To individualize Winter Wave, I added  a single wave to the body of water. I used reverse perspective on the mountains and employed subtle decorative stitches for relief. I also added thin piping to the binding piece. Once again expressing my individual voice, I added subtle touches of machine embroidery to enhance the composition.

I believe the total effect I was striving for was Japanese Edo era, and I accomplished that goal.