(Click on image to enlarge. Husband. Words: I Loved Her for 45 Years...the Last 15 with MS. Xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched. 24" x 18".)
The wonderful man in this image is my former insurance agent. He's recently retired but has seen my family through our business needs, personal needs, and a catastrophic house fire. His wife died about two years ago. The stitched background reads: In Sickness and In Health 'Til Death Do Us Part. Lots of people make these vows; lots of people keep them; but it is an important decision...especially under trying circumstances.
In order to explain this new series to potential participants, I've created a blog for it...a one-stop place with a conceptual statement, images, and a WISH LIST. (Title and/or words are flexible!) The wish list is below for anyone who might consider being pictured:
Title: Blood Donor. Stitched words: Saving lives one pint at a time. (Long time donor, please!)
Title: Overcoming Domestic Abuse. Stitched words: I pressed charges.
Title: Somebody Else's Miracle. Stitched words: I gave up a child for adoption.
Title: Graffiti Artist/Vandal. Stitched words: (symbol of the "tag")
Title: DUI. Stitched words: I made a mistake.
Title: Pro Choice. Stitched words: I wasn't ready for a baby
Title: Teenage Mother. Stitched words: I kept my baby
Title: Gang Member. Stitched words: I wear my colors
Title: Neo-Nazi. Stitched words: Master Race
Title: Living with AIDS. Stitched words: Didn't use a condom
Title: Public Servant. Stitched words: I ran for office (Must be a non-career politican! I have a lead on this one)
Title: College___(Freshman/sophomore/etc.) Stitched words: Never too late to learn (Must be someone over 70 or so who has returned to school)
Title: Dealing with Alzheimer's. Stitched words: I put my Mom/Dad in a home
Title: Homeless. Stitched words: No Fixed Address (This can't be someone with a mental disease but someone who choses to live this way!)
Title: Happy Family. Stitched words.....This one would include a same sex couple and their child with Mommy____(first name); Mommy____(first name); and name of child or Daddy____(first name); Daddy____(first name); and name of child
Title: Kidney Donor. Stitched words: I had two...but to share.
Title: Organic Farmer. Stitched words: No chemicals
Title: Rabbi. Stitched words: Waiting for the Messiah. (This one is "pending".)
Title: Patriot. Stiched words: ____(Rank); ____-____(Birth year to death year)...(I need a young man/woman unfortunately killed in the current war.)
Title: Tattoo Artist. Stitched words: Marked for life.
Title: Illegal Immigrant. Stitched words: I want the American Dream
Title: New Voters. Stitched words in front of three people: Republican, Democrat, Independent
Title: Runaway. Stitched words: I left home. (My son Alex...who's been gone since February doesn't qualify...believe it or not, a seventeen year old in South Carolina is allowed to leave...and there's nothing his/her parents can really do about it!)
Title: Athetist. Stitched words: There is no God.
Title: Death Wish. Stitched words: I attempted suicide.
Title: Shoplifter. Stitched words: It wasn't mine.
Title: Nun. Stitched words: Married to Christ.
Title: Monk. Stitched words: A Vow of Silence. (Or other wording depending on vows.)
Title: Prostitute. Stitched words: By the hour.
Title: 911 Operator. Stitched words: 24/7.
Title: Buddhist. Stitched words: Seeking enlightenment. (Prefer someone past the first vows of Refuge.)
(I'd like a Hindi and a Muslim...because I don't even know how to phrase these!)
What a wonderful idea for a project! I'm still reeling over your Blues Bible!
ReplyDeleteI would like to put my name on the list for College Student. I'm not 70+ but I will be 52 in August. I am so thrilled to be back in school! I am starting a new chapter in my life and it feels so good to be able to work toward a goal after so many years. I have 3wonderful children and have been someone's assistant since I was 16 yrs old...I did have a 12 yr break in there when I was in the military...it is a thankless job and doesn't pay enough so when I graduate I want to become an English as a Second Language Teacher. OK...thanks for letting me share and good luck with your project! *blessings* Theresa
Wow - I reckon you might have trouble finding people who'd admit to some of these. I'm sort of elgible for one, but not sure I'd want my photo done!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there were so many! I think everyone in the world should have one made. Okay..that would be lots of work for you but still..I am honored to have mine done. And yes, it is personal, a personal truth about me. A life statement. A bearing of just one accomplishment, one thing that I did that set me on another path, one honest deed in my life. A DECISION that has touched those around me. The face is not important, the DECISION is what empowers and shares and loves.
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ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your son, Susan. I hope you hear from him soon.
ReplyDeleteThis is quiet a project Susan, I love it! The idea is new and fascinating.
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