Foreigner, Decision Portrait Series

(Decision Portrait Series: Foreigner. 25" x 19". Hand stitching and beading. Free motion machine embroidery. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Stitched words: Foreigner; Tajikistan is a beautiful, mountainous country; My first trip was to experience a new culture; My 2nd trip was for a college eduction. Pin-on, plastic name badge holder with paper image of the Tajikistan flag and words: I'll return home to make a difference. Click on image to enlarge.)


(Above: Foreigner, detail. Click on image to enlarge.)

The word "foreigner" often conjures up dark and scary images, unfamiliar people, unknown places, and strangers. This is generally a misconception! I'm so very, very pleased that this Decision Portrait shows a beautiful, young college student from Tajikistan, a country internationally known for its fine embroidery. It is hard to imagine her decision but she made it. She was willing to leave her family, her country, and her familiar surroundings in order to travel half way around the world to another culture. She's done this twice...willingly becoming a foreigner. She's had to learn another language, other customs, other traditions, and face the misconceptions people have of those from far off places. She's an amazing young college freshman. I am proud to have stitched this story.