Marie’s birthday was looming and I had heard her say she loved my Man in Overalls. I knew there was a photo of her brother John wearing overalls, so my gift-giving plans were in motion.
John loved riding his tractor and wearing his overalls. A country boy at heart for all of his 64 years, he represents what men in overalls convey to me: honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Add a dog and the country boy takes on a loving and playful nature.
The photo I used for the art quilt was taken by his brother Kemp, and features John with his three-legged dog, Precious.
The photo is printed on cotton fabric, free motion machine quilted with cotton thread and wool batting. The brown layer is linen and all is hand stitched to a vintage quilt remnant as its base. The label is written on a scrap of vintage linen that was made blue when Marie and I played in the indigo dye vat one hot summer day. The finished piece measures 12” x 16”.
One earlier photo shows young John and Kemp on the farm. Another shows Marie flanked by her loving brothers and includes their dog Skippy.
You know me, my eyes flew immediately to the dog! Love your art, Sandy. It has a heart all its own. Perfectly unique, like you, my friend. So thankful that our paths crossed when and where they did. Hope your Thanksgiving is good.
Yes, I do know you and know you could draw a beautiful dog based on Precious. Your kind words are cherished, as is our friendship!
So many things about this touch my heart. The autumn day the photo was taken with all of my brothers and my mother present to celebrate a unique harvest. The image of a man in overalls and your comment about what that represents to a fellow child of the country – John was all those things, including having the loving and playful nature you mention. And, the gift of a piece of art created by a friend. Thank you!
I’m so glad you like it. Knowing you and your family is one of life’s treasures.