PROJECT 5
FINAL PROJECT
Rebecca Nimmo; Domestic Tranquility,
or A Woman’s Work is Never Done; materials: fabric, embroidery thread, embroidery hoops
For centuries, embroidery has been used for adornment on clothing, home décor, and other textile goods. It has been used in the past as a way to teach values of patience and persistence. It has even been used as a way to communicate the values, thoughts, and beliefs of women who grew up in an era when the fairer sex was meant to be seen and not heard. I first learned to embroider when I was five years old, from my grandmother who had also learned at around five years old from her grandmother.
In many ways, this piece is a dedication to my grandmother—nearly every memory I have of her included a needle in her fingertips. Yet in many ways this is also a dedication to those centuries of needleworkers who stitched their values, dreams, and desires into countless pieces. Some of the pieces have words to live by, some have images or phrases that are important to me, and some are just silly things that make me happy. But the incomplete pieces on the couch sit as a testament to the tried and true aphorism: “a woman’s work is never done.”
For centuries, embroidery has been used for adornment on clothing, home décor, and other textile goods. It has been used in the past as a way to teach values of patience and persistence. It has even been used as a way to communicate the values, thoughts, and beliefs of women who grew up in an era when the fairer sex was meant to be seen and not heard. I first learned to embroider when I was five years old, from my grandmother who had also learned at around five years old from her grandmother.
In many ways, this piece is a dedication to my grandmother—nearly every memory I have of her included a needle in her fingertips. Yet in many ways this is also a dedication to those centuries of needleworkers who stitched their values, dreams, and desires into countless pieces. Some of the pieces have words to live by, some have images or phrases that are important to me, and some are just silly things that make me happy. But the incomplete pieces on the couch sit as a testament to the tried and true aphorism: “a woman’s work is never done.”
This piece I found to be really beautiful. The historical context it had along with the modern day relevance of it made the piece very successful to me. The way you choose to display them in a home environment also seemed to be fitting create a comfortable space for the viewer. Good job.
ReplyDeleteI loved the originality of this piece. Making such a historic women tradition into a new age hobby. you can tell that you put a lot of time into this. I also like all the different techniques used throughout the craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteI know I have already told you this but I really love the modern twist you put on this. It is very interesting and inspiring. It has made me want to get back into embroidery. I really enjoy the sarcastic comments and pictures!!! Great job on this piece.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of making a traditional craft modern with modern slogans and imagery helps bridge a generational gap. Embroidery was not only considered a woman's craft, it was a craft that was often forced upon women. Your project seems to be a wonderful way of bringing renewed interest to embroidery, possibly allowing a new generation to choose the method for their own art, without having to force them.
ReplyDelete