(Click on image to enlarge.)
Teenage Mother. Decision Portrait Series. Xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidery and beading, artificial flowers, ribbon and trim, chiffon. Stitched words: In LOVE at 15 but didn't THINK. Sorrow. Grief. Joy. Happiness. Many tears. Much love. With help from Mom and Dad. I Kept My Baby. My baby is now the mother of my grandsons. 25" x 18" Unframed.
This portrait was such a joy to stitch but it was so much more than pulling a needle and thread. It was an entire experience. From the moment I received Emmy Schoonbeek's first email volunteering for this project, I knew this would be special. Our email correspondence confirmed this. The photo simply couldn't be more perfect. This is Emmy at nineteen, on her wedding day, with her three year old daughter. I pulled phrases from her messages and asked her permission to use them. Emmy received an email attachment of the finished work yesterday and approved my use of her name and blog link.
I am honored to have stitched this work. I am grateful for Emmy's willingness to share and trust me with her image and story. I am especially happy that Emmy likes the work...especially since Emmy is such an amazing embroiderer! Thank you, Emmy....from the bottom of my heart.
All the other artists here at the MacNamara Foundation watched the piece as it took shape. Everyone was touched by it because it resonates with truth and love. Emmy acknowledges the hardships but celebrates the miracle, the gift, the love and happiness. I celebrate with her. (Details below can be enlarged.)
You're series is really beautiful Susan, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt's like the world is coming forward! They come with their heads held high, their decisions made. Life works its magic around the decisions and the miracles unfold. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a wonderful piece Susan and you have done Emmy proud with your very sensitive and creative work
ReplyDeleteLove the sentiments on this piece-my mum was told to have me adopted, but she was adamant that she was going to keep her baby too
ReplyDeleteEmmy is an *amazing* woman and artist----i'm proud to know her! This is a lovely lovely poignant and perfect homage to her!
ReplyDeleteWow, Susan, you are accomplishing so much up there in the beauty of Maine. This is stunning, and says so much with so little. I really do hope to see this series exhibited one day!
ReplyDeleteDoris
Each piece in this series is more poignant than the last. You have treated each 'subject' with such care and empathy. Absolutely beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and moving piece of work Susan.
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ReplyDeleteMy mom 'kept her baby,' and now I am her most trusted confidant and best friend. ;) Susan, you are touching many lives with these beautiful and sensitive works.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Kim
These are all wonderful pieces Susan.
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