Artist Statement:

Hand embroidery offers a unique space for self-expression and artistic exploration. As an artist, it also provides me with great satisfaction and calmness. My series consists of three realistic hand-embroidered portraits of individuals in my life. Each time I embroider a new portrait, I study my subject and create a plan to perfect their individuality. The individuals depicted have unique features that set them apart from others. For example, in Grayson, the viewer can take a closer look and see the precision used to create creases in the figure’s arms and legs. In Sabrina, it is her golden glistening sunglasses. For Frazier, it is his pinstripe suit coat.

While embroidering, I mentally break the body figure into sections which helps me better replicate the original image. To create cohesion among my portraits I stitch abstract elements in the background, which collectively unify the portraits. These abstract elements allow me to stitch freely and be more expressive without having to meticulously plot where the threads are to be placed. My goal is for the viewer to pause and take a moment to appreciate the attention to detail in each portrait.