What got me started . . .
It all started about a three years ago. I entered
my first piece into an Art Show at my work place.
It was judged ‘Best of Show’. I was tickled to say the least.
I had people wanting to buy the piece.
I made a few more, and on a whim applied to an Art Fair. They accepted, and
since then, I’ve exhibited
in several regional Art Festivals, local gift galleries, and donated pieces
to local fundraisers.
My process statement . . .
My pieces are created using a skill called
Embroidery Digitizing. Once I sketch and color an image, I scan
it into an Art Embroidery program. In the Art Program I plot the path of the
machine needle by placing
each stitch one by one, creating beautiful patterns and textures. I like to
refer to this skill as ‘painting with stitches’.
On average I place approximately 16,000 stitches per design. My sewing machine
is linked to my computer.
I use a lightweight canvas fabric and paint the background in acrylic before
they are sewn. Most of the
frames I create are from reclaimed pieces of wood I pick up during bulky-trash
day in my neighborhood.
Many are made from trim discarded from old homes and others may be from large
vintage frames I make into
smaller ones and further distress.
Why I make art . . .
When I did my first show I was nervous
nobody would buy a piece. I ended up selling all but one. I was
elated. People like to chat to people who like art. I have repeat customers
who bring me wood to make
frames out of. I have customers who come back to tell me where they’ve
hung their piece. But something has
happened along the way that has been the best perk of all. I have made so many
wonderful new friends since
making art. Art brings people together.
