Studio Sunday - Sewn Together

Most of my work comes easily, my inspiration comes from the beauty I find in the world.  But ever so often comes along an idea that stirs up difficult emotions.  I find it very challenging to represent these emotions or experiences.

This happens to be one of those difficult pieces, not difficult to create, but difficult to express.  My inspiration first came from Frida Kahlo's work and her expressions of the pain, both physically and emotionally, that she had to deal with her entire life.  Honestly, I think this is something we can all relate to.  Most of us are in poor health and ignore the symptoms. We deal with constant stress mentally and physically.   We don't even know what it is to feel alive and in good health, unless we have reached the point where we feel significantly better.  This is what happened to me, I had that aha moment, and since then I have been striving to keep myself in good health.

I knew exactly how I wanted to make the dress for this piece, but then I struggled with the background.  My first idea I tossed, then started on another, one that I put a bit more of myself into.  I felt less restricted, stitching in an intuitive fashion, cutting here and there and adding where I see fit.  I am quite pleased with the result. This work of art speaks to me, and I hope to you in some way.

Available here.