“I enjoyed the quiet, almost meditative process of sorting through years and years of scraps, cutting them up into thin strips no more than 1/4” wide and 2-1/2” long, to create the “paint” and applying it in a brushstroke pattern to create this cow. I also enjoyed collecting the background fabrics on my travels in Washington State in 2020. The process was a new one for me, and I studied other artists’ interpretations of the pattern on Pinterest to arrive at my own interpretation. The eyes posed the greatest challenge, but placing instantly brought the bovine creature to life. Is this steer a male or a female? Does his/her gaze look passive, pensive, gentle, content, or aggressive? I can see all those emotions, and more, in his/her eyes. I leave the ultimate interpretation to the “eye” of the beholder.”

–Elaine Rottman

About The Artist

Elaine Rottman has been making quilts and fabric art pieces for 40 years. She enjoys solving problems and puzzles in the creative process. Her favorite quote is Einstein’s, “creativity is intelligence having fun.” She frequently uses patterns developed by other fabric artists as her starting point, modifying them in multiple ways to make the work her own.