Tiptree Quilt

The Tiptree Quilt is based on James Tiptree, Jr.’s science fiction novel, Brightness Falls from the Air, which tells the story of humans and aliens who witness the spectacular passing of a fiery wave-front, and the incineration of the planet Damien, caused by the nova of The Murdered Star. 1,248 squares of fabric were used to construct this 100" x 121" textile painting of this fantastic scene. Except for two small pieces, the swirling image is constructed with only straight-cut pieces. If you look closely you can see female signs in the planet below. Work spanned ten years and the combined effort of 65 people from around the world, many of whom had never quilted before. The Tiptree Quilt celebrates the James Tiptree, Jr. Award—an annual prize for science fiction and fantasy that expands and explores our understanding of gender. James Tiptree, Jr. was the pseudonym of Alice Sheldon whose brilliant stories and gender-bending life inspired the award in 1991. Elspeth Krisor directed and coordinated work on the quilt; Jeanne Gomoll and Tracy Benton designed it.

The Quilt’s Future

Eventually it will hang in the Seattle Museum of Science Fiction.

Posters

Available for a limited time.

The James Tiptree, Jr. Quilt poster is produced with the Giclée printing technology. A high resolution photo of the quilt is printed with archival quality inks onto Ultrasmooth Fine Art Paper (250 gsm, thickness 15 mil), 100% acid free archival cotton paper. The Giclée printing process provides color accuracy that rivals traditional silver-halide and gelatin printing processes and is commonly found in museums, art galleries, and photographic galleries. Poster size: 18" x 27". The Tiptree Quilt poster will be available until July 20, 2006. Those who order posters will receive them by August 1, 2006.

$60.00

        


Above: Quilt poster; below, from top left, clockwise: Stitching is the Plan and the Plan is Stitching; Kathi Nash & cat; Elspeth Krisor points to the square sewn by Linda Lounsbury; Elspeth & Tracy Benton present a progress report; Cake modeled on a quilt square; Photo op!—the quilt hanging on Diane Martin’s house; Lucy Rhonor gets lessons from Elpeth; Elspeth & Tracy at work.