Artist Statement
Growing up surrounded by a pack of strong dynamic females shaped who I am today. From an early age I observed these women and tried to make sense of who they were. Today I know that a person’s character is never solidified because we are forever making the conscious or unconscious decision to adapt or react. I have used my work to visually capture the moments that have, and continue to, shape the lives of women particularly in the South. My work is a commentary of these women and the many reasons why their lives continue to be affected by gender roles and familial bonds. I have incorporated these themes into my work by using visual narratives that describe moments of emotional jubilation and depression.
I am attracted to the processes and meditative experiences involved in embroidery. I relish the intimate connection that embroidery creates between the work itself, the viewer, and the artist. My work is often inspired by photographs of the women in my family. Drawings and sketches of these cherished snapshots are then embroidered onto heirloom pieces of fabric. The Heirloom fabrics have been found at estate sales, yard sales, bargain bins, and thrift stores. I enjoy the exercise of taking linens that have been neglected or have become outdated and stitching life into the fibers by integrating my own embroidered designs.
Growing up surrounded by a pack of strong dynamic females shaped who I am today. From an early age I observed these women and tried to make sense of who they were. Today I know that a person’s character is never solidified because we are forever making the conscious or unconscious decision to adapt or react. I have used my work to visually capture the moments that have, and continue to, shape the lives of women particularly in the South. My work is a commentary of these women and the many reasons why their lives continue to be affected by gender roles and familial bonds. I have incorporated these themes into my work by using visual narratives that describe moments of emotional jubilation and depression.
I am attracted to the processes and meditative experiences involved in embroidery. I relish the intimate connection that embroidery creates between the work itself, the viewer, and the artist. My work is often inspired by photographs of the women in my family. Drawings and sketches of these cherished snapshots are then embroidered onto heirloom pieces of fabric. The Heirloom fabrics have been found at estate sales, yard sales, bargain bins, and thrift stores. I enjoy the exercise of taking linens that have been neglected or have become outdated and stitching life into the fibers by integrating my own embroidered designs.