Stories Untold
This show marks several transitions in my work — a continuation of the exploration of the formal narrative elements of character, setting, action and time; a shift into the use of additional techniques and materials; a transition back into political pieces; and further exploration of the interaction between the viewer and each piece.
All the works document stories I've wanted to tell in a visual way, stories that I've held inside for some time. The quiet repetitive and meditative nature of hand embroidery is well suited for processing emotions and working through ideas. The work was all made in the midst of a personal and professional transition, a period of great challenge, growth and joy. While some pieces appear to be autobiographical in nature, and elements of them may be, they are more often about people and stories I've observed that have been waiting for the right time to be told.
"Waiting," .875" x 12.5", $1,000
"Waiting" is about people separated by measurable distance, time, or emotions, who may find each other by folding back towards each other to meet. Time is counted out by the increments in the tape measure, by the cycles of the moon, and the protracted command to "w - a - i - t." It is also about patience, independence, and connectedness. "Waiting' was constructed around a real plastic measuring tape, using hand-stitching and free-motion machine-embroidery.
"Passage," 3.5" x 9" x 5", $1,800
"Passage" was a delight to make, though technically, extremely difficult. I wanted to create an entire environment, a setting in which a story might take place. The story itself is not specific, but is generally about moving through darkness, finding one's own way. A friend said it reminded her of her "jump up" ceremony between Brownies and Girl Scouts! "Passages" utilizes many techniques to create a mini-theatrical stage form — hand embroidery (couching, split stitch, shadow work, beading, patchwork), free-motion machine embroidery, hand painting on commercial fabrics, and construction techniques diminutive scene forces the viewer to come quite close. There are four vantage points, from in front (with the nose of the viewer close to the front of the state), from either side, through the stitching on the sheer side panels, and from the top through the open "ceiling."
"Fly," 2.375" x 2.625" x .375", $500
"Fly" shows the blossoming of a character. The tiny figure is suited up for a 1940's gym class, and stands pensive, waiting to go somewhere. Inexplicably, she's sprouted five sets of moth wings from her back, and it is unclear if more will appear. This piece is entirely hand-stitched on silk and felt. The wings were made of translucent fabric stretched and stitched over fine wire.
"She hid within herself," 3.5" x 2.5" x 1", $1,200
"She hid within herself" is partly autobiographical, but also about people in my life who've I've observed holding back, hiding within and from themselves. I built the figure to hide inside her purse, until it is squeezed, and only then can she come out of herself. The purse itself was inspired by one owned by my godmother, a gaudy, yet somehow prim, beaded and sequined number. This piece is best experienced by holding it in one's had, so the viewer can squeeze and allow the figure to pop up. The tactile contrasts of the satiny fabric, the rougher feel of the stitching, the hard rounded textures of the beads make it fun to experience in the palm of one's hand. Turning the purse upside down, one can fully read the title of the piece. This piece is entirely hand-stitched.
"Memory," 1.25" x .875" x .875", $400
"Memory" is a simple piece about the encapsulation of images and people from our past. While we may retain memories with their clarity intact, our own packaging of them can limit our ability to see each one clearly.
 Border People Series |
 Other Work |
Colors in these reproductions may vary from the originals.
If you are interested in the availability of these and other works,
or to discuss payment options, contact us by email or by phone at 970.453.6391.
__________________________________________________________
hibberd mcgrath gallery • 101 n. main • p.o. box 7638 • breckenridge, colorado 80424 • 970.453.6391 __________________________________________________________