SILK THREAD PAINTINGS 2023-2024

My work addresses female empowerment.

I present intimacy and connection joyfully and lovingly. My work is full of humor and playful, nonjudgmental human interaction.

I am a female Western multimedia artist who creates silk thread paintings influenced by Shunga and Chinese silk embroidery. These fabric works are displayed from magnetic teak bars or within bamboo embroidery hoops.

My Western viewpoint adds humor while honoring the two ancient art forms. 

Working with dupioni silk supports and complements the sensual narrative.

Process

I establish the shape of each character as a line drawing before transferring the design to silk. I create the color palette using a staining process. The embroidery layer finishes the personality of the artwork. I work in a conversational mode as the personality takes shape. Each mark adds depth, dimension, and emotion. I am creating a personality that I am meeting for the first time. 

My Asian influence:

I grew up with my Mother’s collection of Asian art and artifacts. The graceful movements of Asian calligraphy spoke volumes to me. The narrative quality of Japanese woodblock prints brought me into a magical world. I could not read the language, so my reactions were visceral, responding to the rhythmic lines and shapes. These works still hold power over me.