It has been a year of major transition, of learning to let go of some things and hold tight to others. I had no idea how this would manifest in my artwork, only that it inevitably would. I’m finally starting to see it now, but have barely touched on understanding it. What began as a self-portrait for a planned exhibition has turned into a new project, a new series, a new outlet.
The works are hand-stitched self-portraits on fabric (specifically corduroy). The imagery is based on blind contour self-portraits drawn with conte on paper. I began the blind contour drawings as a way to get back into drawing. It had been too long since I last tried to draw something from life and not from my head.
The blind contours take on new life as they are re-interpreted into stitches. In a way, the stitching process contradicts the notion of blind contour. Blind contours are done without looking at what you’re doing, while hand-stitching requires you to constantly glance down. Blind contours, although drawn with great concentration, are a fairly quick exercise, while the same image done by hand-stitching takes weeks to complete.
The blind contour and hand-stitching processes are not entirely unconnected. They both rely on observing the details, of studying the microcosm. Both, also, rely on interpreting the subject through the most simplistic form, specifically line. And yet, even through this, both blind contour and hand-stitching allow incredible likeness, personality, and expression of the subject to show.
These hand-stitched self portraits are a methodical attempt to come to terms with a sense of loss of “home”. I’m not completely “homeless”, but for now I am transitioning from the sense of “home” that has seen me through the past twenty-four years to a new “home” that will accompany me into the future. My family, my brothers and parents, have always been my “home”, and although they still remain, I need to acknowledge that particular “home” is of the past.
I have also started doing hand embroidered postcards. It is my newest postcard series and is related to my self-portraits... all a part of my stitch therapy.
Sarah Springer, Mama's Girl (prep work) 2006, conte on paper, 11" x 14" Blind contour self-portrait |
Sarah Springer, Mama's Girl 2006, Handstitching on corduroy, 11" x 14" |
Sarah Springer, Mama's Girl (close-up) 2006, Handstitching on corduroy |
Sarah Springer, Mama's Girl (detail) 2006, Handstitching on corduroy, 3" x 3.75" |
Sarah Springer, Stitched Postcard: Yellow 2007, denim and embroidery thread, 6.5" x 4.25" Denim postcard with hand embroidery |
Sarah Springer, Stitched Postcard: Yellow 2007, denim and embroidery thread, 3.5" x 2.5" Denim postcard with hand embroidery |
Sarah Springer, Stitched Postcard: Leaves 2007, denim and embroidery thread, 6" x 4.25" Denim postcard with hand embroidery |
Sarah Springer, Stitched Postcard: Leaves (detail) 2007, denim and embroidery thread, 3" x 2.5" Denim postcard with hand embroidery |
Sarah Springer, Stitched Postcard: Stars 2007, denim and embroidery thread, 6" x 4.25" Denim postcard with hand embroidery |
Sarah Springer, Stitched Postcard: Green 2007, denim and embroidery thread, 8.25" x 4.25" Denim postcard with hand embroidery |
Sarah Springer, Stitched Postcard: Green (detail) 2007, denim and embroidery thread, 3.5" x 3.5" Denim postcard with hand embroidery |
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