WISH LIST for this new series

I've created this blog in order to effectively document my new series of portraits that are meant to be part of a large installation called PERSONAL GROUNDS. The focal point of the show will be the 3D sculptural unit called Decisions. (Scroll down to see this work and an explanation of it). I am making a series of portraits. (Scroll down to see the ones finished....and I'm also submitting just these portraits for solo exhibition too....for a show to be called "Decisions"). These images are meant to show an important decision. I do not mean to make any value judgments....just an image that tells a story of a personal decision...right or wrong....good or bad...simple or complex....a focus on a decision. This series is not about any social, moral, political or religious interpretation. It is about the decisions we all make...everyday...some big, some small. I like the "news print" look of the xylene transfers on tea-stained muslin. The result shows a specific person but also suggests others in the same situation. Each work is suppose to be both individual and universal. Most of the pieces will include embroidered words that relate to the title. I am flexible on both the words and the titles. I am open to new suggestions. I can be emailed privately at mouse_house@prodigy.net or called at (803) 254-0842. I have a wish list of portraits I'd like to create. This list is below.

Title: Midwife. (Preferably someone who both delivers babies and has had a child at home!) Stitched words: Helping and having babies at home.

Title: Homeschooling. Stitched words: Both mother/father and primary educator.

Title: Good Samaritan. Stitched words: I changed a flat tire for a complete stranger.

Title: Terms of Marriage II. Stitched words: I signed a prenuptial agreement.

Title: 20/20 Vision. Stitched words: I had Lazar eye surgery.

Title: Dieter. Stitched words: I lost weight. (Must be a lot of weight....I'm envisioning one of those "before" and "after" sort of images...or the model inside of or holding a very, very noticeably larger pair of pants.)

Title: On Call. Stitched words: Hotline crisis volunteer

Title: CEO. Stitched words: My decisions affect hundreds (I'd prefer a rather large company!)

Title: Family Roll Models. (TWO PEOPLE, obviously!) Stitched words: Stay at home Dad and Go to Work Mom. (I have a good lead on this one! July 2009.)

Title: Smaller. Stitched words: I had my stomach stapled.

Title: Hitch Hiker. Stitched words: Thumbs up!

Title: Smoker. Stitched words: Two packs a day (or something like this....must be someone who really enjoys smoking and isn't trying to quit.)

Title: On Fighting Cancer I and II. Stitched words: I chose chemotherapy over a mastectomy and I chose a mastectomy over chemotherapy. (I am interested in any other type of medical decision!)

Title: On Fighting Cancer III and IV. Stitched words: After Chemo, I wore a wig and After Chemo, I didn't wear a wig. (I am interested in any decision regarding hair loss....due to cancer or any other situation.)

Title: On Aging I. Stitched words: I dye my hair.

Title: On Aging II. Stitched words: I've had a tummy tuck.

Title: On Aging III. Stitched words: I've had a face lift.

Title: On Aging IV. Stitched words: I've had botox.

Title: On Aging V. Stitched words: Viagra
(I am interested in any significant decision that deals with a pursuit to ward off signs of aging.)

Title: I am a Woman. Stitched words: I was born a man. (Also, vice versa....any gender decision, including transvestism are of interest.)

Title: Creationist. Stitched words: Darwin was wrong and/or The universe was made in seven days.

Title: Happily Married Again. Stitched words: Our first wedding was (date). We divorced on (date). We remarried one another (date)

Title: Letting Go. Stitched words: I took my loved one off life support.

Title: Adoption I. Stitched words: I contacted my birth parent(s).

Title: Adoption II. Stitched words: I contacted the child I gave up. (I am interested in any other decision regarding adoption, especially people who have adopted special need children.)

Title: Enhanced. Stitched words: I took steroids.

Title: Unfaithful. Stitched words: I cheated.

Title: Injured. Stitched words: I didn't buckle up. (This needs to be someone who, not wearing a seat belt, was permanently injured as a result of a car accident. Of course, it would be my honor to also stitch a photo of someone who unfortunately died....with permission from his/her family.)

Title: Thinner. Stitched words: Liposuction.

Title: Divorced. Stitched words: Over time we fell out of love. (Ideally, this would be both people...a mutual decision.)

Title: Whistle Blower. Stitched words: I turned in my employer

Title: Learning to Read. Stitched words: I taught; I learned. (Ideally, this would be two adults in a literacy program.)

Title: Marijuana. Stitched words: High on high.

Title: Astrologer. Stitched words: Spiritual advisor and/or It's in the cards.

Title: Surrogate Mother. Stitched words: I gave birth for someone else's family.

Title: Draft Dodger. Stitched words: I refused to go to war.

Title: Vegetarian or Vegan (or one of each!). Stitched words: No meat. (The list could go on and be quite impressive! I'd like someone whose lived with this decision for many, many years!)

Title: Overcoming Domestic Abuse. Stitched words: I pressed charges. (This one is actually complete but I'm leaving it on the list as I'd love to stitch Dealing with Domestic Abuse with stitched words, "I didn't press charges" or another variation.)

Title: Graffiti Artist/Vandal. Stitched words: (symbol of the "tag")

Title: DUI. Stitched words: I made a mistake.

Title: Gang Member. Stitched words: I wear my colors

Title: Neo-Nazi. Stitched words: Master Race

Title: Public Servant. Stitched words: I ran for office (Must be a non-career politician! I have a lead on this one...I hope!)

Title: Homeless. Stitched words: No Fixed Address (This can't be someone with a mental disease but someone who chose to live this way!)

Title: Immigrant. Stitched words: We left home for artistic opportunities. Found, photographed, signed model's releases and stared, June 16, 2009.) I will consider others with different reasons.

Title: Illegal Immigrant. Stitched words: I want the American Dream (I don't need to picture anyone's face.....an image hiding one's identity would be perfectly fine!)

Title: New Voters. Stitched words in front of three people: Republican, Democrat, Independent

Title: Runaway. Stitched words: I left home.

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.

(I'd like a Hindi...because I don't even know how to phrase these!)

I am open to creating new portraits that are similar to any that are completed....another way of depicting a similar (or even the same) decision.

More New Work!

(Above: Recycler. 31" x 25", framed. Words: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; Think Green. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin, recycled soda tabs, beads, clipped magazine letters. Hand stitched and beaded. Click on image to enlarge.)

This is Mary Pat Baldauf, the Columbia Sustainability Facilitator....and a life-long recycler. Mary Pat's passion is recycling. Recycling is a lifestyle decision. To read more about this portrait, click HERE!


(Above: Solidarity. 31" x 25", framed. Words: I shave my head to support those with breast cancer. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin, assorted threads, ribbon, beads. Hand stitched and beaded. Click on image to enlarge.

Forgotten Portrait! On Marking Decisions: Learning Disabled

(Above: Decision Portrait Series, On Making Decisions, Learning Disabled. 25" x 35", unframed. 31" x 41", framed. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched and beaded. Stitched words: One day....We'll have to decide housing. Who next can be trusted? (center, bottom); I decide what to wear, how to best do my job, my friends and my fun time (left); I help with Transportation, paperwork, finances, explain things, and medical matters (right). Click on image to enlarge.)

This important piece was created in April. For some completely unknown reason, I forgot to add it to this blog. It was documented, of course, on my "regular" blog: Art in Stitches. To read more about this piece, CLICK HERE!

More new portraits!

(Immigrants, Decision Portrait Series. 31" x 37", framed. Stitched words: We left Russia to pursue artistic opportunities. Ballet Dancers. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beaded and stitched.) To read more about this portrait, click HERE!


(Above: Muslim, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: I Forgive Those Who Look at Me with Hate. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beaded and stitched. 31" x 25", framed. Click on image to enlarge.) To read more about this portrait, click HERE.


(Above: At Risk Adoption. Stitched words: A Family Decision. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beaded and stitched. 31" x 41", framed. Click on image to enlarge.) To read more about this portrait, click HERE.


(Above: Patriot, Decision Portrait Series. Framed, 31" x 25". Xylene photo transfer on tea stained muslin. Hand beaded and stitched. Stitched words: I decided to serve my country. Marine LCpl. Born July 26, 1984. Entered Jan. 12, 2004. Killed in Action Mar. 14, 2005. Click on image to enlarge.) To read more about this portrait, click HERE.


(Above: Living with HIV, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Didn't always practice safe sex. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19", unframed. 31" x 25", framed. Hand beaded and stitched. Click on image to enlarge.) To read more about this portrait, click here.


(Above: Pro Choice, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: The choice was mine. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beaded and stitched. 25" x 19", unframed. 31" x 25", framed. Click on image to enlarge.) To read more about this powerful portrait, click here.


Above: Nudist, Decision Portrait Series. 25" x 31", unframed. 31" x 37", framed. Stitched words: Just Like the Day I Was Born. Xylene photo transfer on tea stained muslin. Hand beaded and stitched. Click on image to enlarge. To read more about this portrait, click here.

Above: Cold Turkey, Decision Portrait Series. 31" x 37", framed. Stitched words: We quit smoking after 40+ years. Xylene photo transfer on tea stained muslin. Hand stitched and beaded. Click on image to enlarge. To read more about this portrait, click here.

Above: Vintage Clothing Vendor, Decision Portrait Series. 25" x 19", unframed. 31" x 25", framed. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidery. Stitched words: What shall I wear today?; 40s, 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s. Click on image to enlarge. To read more about this portrait, click here.


(Above: Viridiana. The first xylene transfer for Gift of Life (below) was too dark...except for the image of Viridiana, the little girl who made the decision to donate her organs in the event of an accident. It just seemed like this was meant to be trimmed into a small, individual work....a gift for the parents who honored their daughter's decision. Click on image to enlarge.)

(Above: Gift of Life, Decision Portrait Series by South Carolina fiber artist Susan Lenz. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beading and embroidery. Stitched words: She saw her mother's drivers license and said, "If anything ever happens to me, I want to be an organ donor too"; After a terrible car crash, her parents honored her decision; Seven lives...were Saved. 25" x 35", unframed. 31" x 41", framed. Click on image to enlarge. To read more about this portrait, please click here.)

(Above: Overcoming Domestic Abuse. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19", unframed. 31" x 25", framed. Embroidery and assorted needles. Hand stitched main words: Starting Over. Other hand stitched words: To break the cycle of abuse; Women's Shelter; I left for good; No more false promises; Abusers never change; To save my son; Order of Protection; I ran for my life. Click on image to enlarge.)

(Above: Detail of Overcoming Domestic Abuse. Click on image to enlarge. To read more about this portrait, please click here.)

(On Fighting Ovarian Cancer. Decision Portrait Series. Click on image to enlarge.)

(Above: On Fighting Ovarian Cancer, Decision Portrait Series. Plus detail image. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19", unframed. 31" x 25" framed. Stitched words: I chose the most aggressive treatment and Ovarian Cancer Stage IIIc Survivor. Hand beading and embroidery. Click on image to enlarge.) To read more about this portrait, please read my blog post here.

(Above: On Overcoming Childhood Domestic Abuse, Kristine. Decision Portrait Series. Click on image to enlarge.)

(Above: Overcoming Childhood Domestic Abuse, Kristine. Plus detail image. 25" x 19", unframed. 31" x 25", framed. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Stitched words: I put my stepfather in prison for sexually abusing me for four years; I was only 14 when I pressed charges; I'll never forget; Now I'm stronger. Click on image to enlarge.) To read more about this portrait, please read my blog post here.

(Above: Terms of Marriage. Decision Portrait Series. Click on image to enlarge.)

(Above: Decision Portrait Series, Terms of Marriage. Plus detail image. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 35". Hand beading and embroidery. Stitched words: I never wanted children; As the son of a Holocaust survivor....and the grandson of Holocaust victims, I desperately wanted children; On having a family; A decision before marrying. Click on image to enlarge.) To read more about this portrait, please read my blog post here.

Portraits Recently Completed!

(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.)

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 coming 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.

(Decision Portrait Series, From Preaching to Teaching. 25" x 19", unframed; 31" x 25", framed. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidered. Stitched words: Leaving the ministry gave me the freedom to express all religious viewpoints without being an official spokesman for only one; Once Ordained. Click on image to enlarge.)

The Decision Portrait Series has included several pieces with spiritual decisions including Priest, Rabbi, Buddhist, Atheist, and Christian. I'd love to create pieces for other religious viewpoints and included this desire on the Decision Portrait "wish list". I hadn't, however, thought about someone who identifies with the concept of pluralism! This is actually strange because I totally agree! After all, I see all these portraits hanging together, coexisting, being part of a larger exhibition! I am indebted to my friend Cindi Boiter for making this suggestion and to Facebook for aiding the connection. Yet, most of all I am indebted to this man for agreeing to pose and sharing a wonderful, insightful conversation with me when I took the photo.

(Above: Decision Portrait Series, Someone Else's Miracle. 25" x 19", unframed; 31" x 25", framed. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beading and embroidery. Lightly red penciled lips. Stitched words: Gave Up a Child for Adoption. Click on image to enlarge.)

For well over fifteen years I framed photos and child's artwork for at least six or seven different mothers who told me that their child was adopted, a totally wonderful "miracle". Tears leaked out of the corners of their eyes when they brought in one-year old birthday pictures and recounted the "gift" of first holding the baby just the year before. It was always a pleasure....always a miracle. I never really thought about how difficult it must have been for the birth mother....making a "miracle" come true, making a decision like this.

Bittersweet.

The rest of this story: I know the fabulously talented artist who made this decision. I've known her for years. She's the mother of a teenager now. She also recently got married and is again a mother of a beautiful infant boy. Even more, she is a Facebook friend with the young man she once gave up! The miracle has come full circle.

(Above: Dealing with Alzheimer's. 25" x 19", unframed; 31" x 25", framed. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidered with words: I put my father in a home; Roosevelt was always the president; He thought I was his brother; The hardest part was taking him from my mother. Click on image to enlarge.)

I've known Sam Crews for many, many years. We've swapped family stories while attending antique auctions. Sam used to work as a small business lawyer. His professional advise solved a few employee dilemmas and also navigated the paperwork for Mouse House's incorporation. When we met, our children were in diapers and our parents were young and vital. Over the years, our children grew into adults....and Alzheimer's entered the picture. I haven't had to face this situation, but Sam has...with grace, prayers, and a saving sense of humor. I hope people seeing this artwork reflect on their family members, think about their own preparations for the future, and the decisions we all have ahead.

(Priest. 25" x 19". Xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidered and beaded with stitched words: Called to Serve. Click on image to enlarge.)

This portrait and Rabbi seemed to work together. Though I was pursuing both "models" at roughly the same time, I never would have guessed that the opportunity to shoot the pictures would occur within forty-eight hours of each other. I transferred both pieces onto tea-stained muslin on the same day but didn't like the results for Priest. Thus, I started stitching on Rabbi first....right before Christmas. It seemed totally fitting. The words, as seen below, are "Waiting for the Messiah". After Christmas, I started on Priest with the stitched words "Called to Serve". As I stitched, I knew the two works were affecting one another. Hence, both include blackwork and stars....the Star of David and the Star of Bethlehem. The blue in Priest is reminiscent of the early Italian frescoes, ultramarine blue skies with eight pointed stars. Both men are waiting for the Messiah (whether for the first time or second....still waiting) and both men were Called To Serve. I particularly like how these two personal decisions are reflected in these two portraits.


(Above: Detail of Priest. Click on image to enlarge.)

(Rabbi. 25" x 19". Xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin. Stitched words: Waiting for the Messiah. Hand embroidery including a unique hexagonal blackwork design meant to symbolize the Star of David.)

(College Student. Never Too Late to Learn. Hand stitched background words: assorted college majors.)

This portrait is exactly how I'd hoped it would turn out. The wonderful woman who posed said that going back to school was one the best decisions in her life. She truly represents a conscious resolve to learn something every day of one's life.


(Pet Owner. 25" x 18 1/2". Xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidery. Stitched words: I had to put my cat to sleep. Click on image to enlarge.)

I met Elizabeth Cherry Owen while at the MacNamara Foundation on Westport Island, Maine. Elizabeth is an awesome fiber artist. Her art quilts dazzle with intricate stitches, buttons, found fabrics, and a personal narrative that touches upon her Southern roots but also belies a love of cultural diversity. Elizabeth's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Robert Shaw included her work in The Art Quilt, the definitive survey of contemporary quilts published in 1977. Basically, Elizabeth is an awesome fiber artist!

Yet, the Elizabeth I met was in mourning. Only the week before she'd had to put her beloved cat to sleep. She'd prayed for days, asking God to quietly take him; but, in the end, she had to make the difficult decision herself.

We were talking about decisions. Some of my finished pieces in the Decision Portrait series were hanging on the design wall behind us. We talked about our pets, mortally, and humane responsibilities. I asked Elizabeth if she was willing to pose. She said this was a way to commemorate her cat. I hope the portrait does justice to both Elizabeth and her cat. I know there are many of us who have had to make this choice, who mourn, and who are facing this situation.

Portraits done in Maine at the MacNamara Foundation

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Kidney Donor. Stitched words: I gave my kidney. Background stitched word, repeated: Donor. 25" x 18". Xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand and machine embroidery. I put this idea on my "wish list" but honestly never thought I'd find someone who had donated a kidney and was willing to share this with the world....but I did! Everything about the piece turned out amazingly well.

(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.


(Click on image to enlarge.)
Atheist. Stitched words include: Atheist. No Creator in the Sky; No Damnation...just Evolutionary Phenomena. Xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 18". Hand embroidery. Smaller words: I just don't believe that there's anyone out there...no creator with a plan...No being watching, listening, guiding us through the darkness. God just isn't one of my stories. There is no God...No Meaning in the Chaos.

Maria Robinson is one of the other artists experiencing the generosity and time provided by the MacNamara Foundation here on Westport Island, Maine. She is a writer. She excels in strong characters, evocative phrases, and attention to significant details. She went with me to see the Come Springs Quilt show in Union, Maine which made the day trip so much fun. I got the chance to see the work through her eyes, explain construction methods, and simply to talk during the drive. Maria's an atheist and the perfect person to articulate this decision to me.



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Tattoo Artist. Stitched words: Marked for Life. Unframed 25" x 18".

The young woman who posed for this portrait owns Body Rites, a tattoo parlor in Columbia, South Carolina. She's a wonderful mother, a smart business owner, and a talented artist. I met her last year when she hung the exhibition "Skate and Create" at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios. I'm quite pleased with this piece because it truly captures a unique style of feminine beauty, a decision to express one's creativity in a permanent fashion.


(Click on image to enlarge.)
Death Wish. Stitched words: I just wanted to lie down and never wake up...Ignored...Social Outcase...Cut wrist and a bottle of aspirin...Loner...Psych Ward...Beaten...At 16 I thought it would just be best if I wasn't around at all...Attempted Suicide. Unframed: 25 " x 18".

A few months ago Arlee Barr emailed me privately (mouse_house@prodigy.net) volunteering for this portrait. I sent her a standard model's release. She signed and returned it. She scanned a photo taken of her when she was sixteen and emailed it as a high resolution image. We also corresponded about this time during her life. I selected and altered several phrases from her message. Of course I shared these with Arlee first.

It was wonderful to arrive at the MacNamara Foundation's location on Westport Island in Maine with a familiar series on which to start work. Once finished, I sent an image to Arlee. I wanted her to see it before I posted. At this point, I also asked Arlee whether she wanted me to blog about the work with or without her name. The choice was hers. I'm very pleased with the portrait. I wanted the words to swirl around her head as if visualization of the internal thoughts. The phrase at the top and bottom are therefore couched straight across and in a different shade because it is a current reflection.



(Click on image to enlarge.)
Blood Donor. Stitched words: Saving Lives One Pint at a Time. Unframed: 25 1/2" x 18 1/2". Framed: 31" X 25".

I'm proud to know this wonderful man who not only donates blood regularly (over 75 pints to date) but has held blood drives in the parking lot of his business, The Biscuit House, in Columbia. He was reluctant to pose at first because it seemed self-serving...almost arrogant. His decision is completely about helping others.

Decision Portraits

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Organic Farmers. Stitched words: American Neo-Gothic. Also: Local, All Natural, Homemade. Unframed: 25 1/2" x 31". Framed: 31" x 37".


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Buddhist. Stitched words: Seeking Enlightenment (repeated). Unframed: 25 1/4" x 18 1/2". Framed: 31" x 25".

(Click on image to enlarge.)
Detail of Buddhist showing "Ordination Day" and the Ensō circle. The ensō circle is one of the most common in Japanese calligraphy. It is associated with enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and the "void". This ensō circle was created from a mixture of Golden's Micaceous Iron Oxide and Clear Tar Gel for a clearly "wet" or painted look emulating calligraphy.

This post will be edited as I finish more portraits in the series. Click on the images to enlarge.

(Above: Behind on the Mortgage. Large stitched words: Some how...Some way...I'm keeping my home. Click on image to enlarge and for reading all the smaller words.)


Each one is a xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin with embroidery. Most will include embroidered words that relate to the title. The words and title are meant to suggest the decision made. This project is not a religious, social, or political statement...it is about DECISIONS...any decision; good or bad; right or wrong; no value judgments attached...just a way to reflect on the choices we all make in life.

Above: Happy Family. Embroidered words: Max and his Mommys. Mommy Lori. Mommy Janet. Below: Detail.)

(Above: Poet. Embroidered words: I married Bert.)

(Above: Soul Mates. Embroidered words: Black ♥ White. Below: Detail.)



(Above: Standing Up for Peace. This image didn't need any embroidered words. The sign said it all.)

(Above: New Christian. Embroidered words: Born 1947 Born Again 2008.)


(Above: Husband. Embroidered words: I Love Her for 45 Years...The Last 15 with MS. Background embroidered words: In Sickness and in Health 'Til Death Do Us Part.



(Above: Britta. Embroidered words: Twins at age 42.)

(Above: Self-Portrait, Artist. Embroidered words: I quit my job to pursue my ART.)

The Beginning of the New Series: Decision Portraits

(Click on images to enlarge: Above is the first piece in the Decision Portrait Series. The stitched words read: One Day at a Time. The title is: 25 Years Sober. Xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand and machine embroidery. 25 1/2" x 19". Below is a detail.)

In May I started the new series. I'd been thinking about it for some time...while still working on the "Decisions" installation. I wanted work that would relate to this "centerpiece"....in order to submit the whole thing as a solo exhibition. I thought about the word "decisions" and landed upon the idea of portraits. People make decisions.

At first I thought I'd represent famous people who'd made difficult choices...like those senator's in John F. Kennedy's book Profiles in Courage. I loved that book...in middle school. The more I thought about this, however, the more I hated the idea. It sounded all too academic...like a good high school history project, not a work of art. Besides, I wasn't passionate about any of these people. Truth be told, I didn't care enough.

Still, portraits would bring about the missing human element found in the original installation. I also liked the idea of focusing on decisions that changed lives...bittersweet decisions....options that meant one thing is left as another is gained...forever changed.Finally, I got it. I started with my sister Wanda.

Decisions, An Installation

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I created a sculptural installation called Decisions in the spring of 2008. It was displayed at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios, 808 Lady Street, in the downtown arts district of Columbia, South Carolina for the annual "Artista Vista" weekend. From the beginning, I intended this two part unit to be the focal point of a larger, solo exhibition called "PERSONAL GROUNDS".


My brief statement is: "Personal Grounds is a location in life. It is the place in which one exists as a result of doors opened, keys turned, and options exercised."

I used four, old solid wooden doors with peeling paint and lots of aging. To them, I attached hundreds of keys. Some were framed; some were not framed; some were labeled; some were not labeled.

I also wrapped thousands of old, rusty nails. Nails are like decisions....often bittersweet. Nails are symbols for Christ's crucifixion...sacrifice. They represent precision...."Hit the nail on the head". They represent unity...absolutely fundamental in construction; but, if one is "NAILED", it is often a "negative" implication. Nails are among my favorite symbols. Wrapping them took weeks but was a labor of love...another "bittersweet" expression.

Above, a Key to Promise on one of the doors. Below, some of the hundreds of tagged, old keys waiting to go on the installation.

Above and below are two of the framed but unlabeled keys. Often there are decision to make, options to excerise, and doors to open that have unknown consequences. We don't always know what will happen when we make a decision or walk down one of life's paths.