eighteen panels, 16.5" square, with monochromatic embroidery.
One of the ways my anxiety manifests is in silence, so it’s hard for me to actually talk about it — which is both isolating and frustrating. Using slow images to relay how it feels has given me a chance to connect with others in ways that neither party were able to articulate previously. The private conversations as well as the comments on works posted have been revealing that this kind of work is important to help others vocalize their experiences with depression, anxiety or trauma.
Felt constantly surprised me while working with it. How it cut, how it scored, how much it compressed under tight stitches, the way it warped depending on how I stitched. As I worked with it, sketches clarified into different finished pieces because of what felt could give back. Where I had previously worked very gingerly with paper, I could be a lot more demanding of felt and of the stitches I used. It became so much more than a substrate, but more like a conversational partner to the embroidery.
The physical discomfort of stitching for long periods of time was offset by the joy of seeing a sensation that had been within me, finally articulated on a fine felt surface.
This project was made possible by The Felt Store, who helped sponsor this and many other wonderful felt projects.