Home
22" x 44"
This project has been a very personal exploration which I picked up and put down over several years. It began with Adobe Illustrator wherein I gathered together all the places in the world where I have lived. This compilation of many different maps became my own map, my life journey.
Detail: After the map was printed onto cotton, I layed a layer of batting behind the surface and began stitching. Many of the threads I used are irridescent and so 'in person' this piece glimmers while reflecting light. The stitching became a fairly obsessive meditation on where I have been and what has landed me to where I am now. I like to think of each stitch as a step on my path.
Detail: At some point in the making process, a poem, my version of a Haiku, came to me. Trying to respect the idea of adding words, out came the fabric paint and on went the Haiku:
Placed
re-placed,
grounded.
Search for Connection,
Exploration is the Home.
Detail: Where the stitches created circles was where I have spent larger parts or more significant parts of my life. In this image one can see Toronto. I added extra batting before I added the backing fabric behind these places and so they come forward towards the viewer.
detail: Some of my steps led me in circles and some were linear.
Detail: shot from the side, this image is an effort to illustrate the extra dimension of the places of significance.
Detail: The map of Lac Notre Dame is of great significance, This place has been my home away from home since my parents purchased a piece of land there in the 60's. I covered the lake in white embroidery stitches to indicate its significance.
Detail: view of Lac Notre Dame
I have been working on this piece on and off for many years. I gave myself time to think about what I wanted to do with it and how I thought these thoughts might be best expressed visually. It has been a personal journey, but then, aren't all life journeys ultimately very personal?
We try to grow in a positive way, create a meaningful impact, and leave a helpful trail for those who follow.