Handwritten Heritage

I'm excited to share this new work! I finished it a couple of weeks ago. It's called Handwritten Heritage.

 

 It measures 24 x

When I shared it at my crit group last month, one member said, "Oh, it's so YOU." And another said, "Wow, that's different." I thought these two comments were absolutely the best thing I could ever hear.

I am thrilled that the work looks like my other work and continues with the personal symbols, techniques and style that I have developed over the past few years. I am even more thrilled that it explores new symbols and techniques, but still fits in my body of work.

I incorporated a sheer envelope (as I did in Green House Mantra). Inside the envelope is the suggestion of a piece of monogrammed stationery. I used my own initials.

The lace tree was created by cutting up a giant lace table cloth that my mother-in-law gave me recently. It was stained and no longer used. She knew I could do something interesting with it. I hope she approves. There is lots more tablecloth left... tons of potential!

I also used a bit of hand embroidered pillow case given to me by Jeff's cousin's wife. I love the scalloped edge that mimics the horizontal lines of a landscape that I often use in my work.

I also incorporated surface design with stamped painted shapes and stylized handwriting. It was really fun to explore this neutral color palette. (I've got a whole Pinterest board in this color scheme.)

I used a tiny bit of rust dyed fabric at the top edge and sweeping lines of hand embroidery in mustard yellow.

The title reflects my use of the vintage linens passed along from family member to family member. It also makes me think of going through drawers of old handkerchiefs, napkins and other linens and finding tiny notes tucked inside.