This blog documents and explains the
DECISION PORTRAIT SERIES
by South Carolinian fiber artist Susan Lenz.
To view "Personal Grounds" including the Decision Portrait Series as seen from September 10 - October 10, 2010 in Susan Lenz's solo exhibition at The City Gallery at Waterfront Park in Charleston, South Carolina....CLICK HERE!
To view completed portraits.....just keep scrolling down!
The conceptual statement is HERE!
The "wish list" for future work is HERE!
Susan had an exhibition at the prestigious City Gallery at Waterfront Park in Charleston, September 10 - October 10, 2010. It was the lead visual arts exhibition for the annual MOJA Arts Festival. The space is tremendous...several rooms spread over two floors. Currently, Susan is not actively pursing additional portraits....but will consider just about anything! Anyone volunteering will be considered for future shows. Exhibition proposals are being sent. Susan welcomes ideas for new places that might consider showing this work. If interested in sharing a decision through this series or suggesting a venue, please email Susan at susan@susanlenz.com or mouse_house@prodigy.net.
A list of completed portrait is directly below! Scroll down!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
List of completed portraits
Complete List of Images for Decisions
1. Adoption
2. Advocate
3. Argentine Tango Dancer
4. At Risk Adoption
5. Atheist
6. Bald is Beautiful
7. Behind in the Mortgage
8. Blood Donor
9. Boomerang Child
10. Britta, Twins at 42
11. Broken Nest
12. Buddhist
13. Cheater
14. Childless
15. Christian
16. Cold Turkey
17. College Student
18. Creationist
19. Dealing With Alzheimer’s
20. Death Wish
21. Drag Queen
22. DUI I
23. DUI II
24. DUI III
25. Educating at Home
26. Expatriate
27. Exporter
28. Family Role Models
29. Fighting Illiteracy
30. First Love
31. For Science
32. Foreigner
33. Friend to Those in Prison
34. From Preaching to Teaching
35. Gift of Life
36. Graffiti Artist
37. Gun Owner
38. Happily Ever After Again
39. Happy Family
40. He Wanted to Die at Home
41. Hitch Hiker
42. Homeless
43. Husband
44. Husband II
45. I Buckled Up!
46. Illegal Immigrant
47. Immigrants
48. Importer
49. Inventor
50. Kidney Donor
51. Knight Riders
52. Lasik Eye Surgery
53. Late Night Driver
54. Leukemia Decision
55. Living With HIV
56. Mackenzie at 15
57. Making a Difference
58. Midwife
59. Missing Holly
60. Mother’s Milk
61. Muslim
62. No Meat
63. Nudist
64. On Fighting Cancer I
65. On Fighting Cancer II
66. On Making Decision, Learning Disabled
67. Organic Farmers
68. Overcoming Childhood Sexual Abuse
69. Overcoming Domestic Abuse
70. Overcoming Ovarian Cancer
71. Parent of an ADHD Child
72. Patriot
73. Personal Appearances I
74. Personal Appearances II
75. Pet Owner
76. Poet
77. Priest
78. Prisoner I
79. Prisoner II
80. Pro Choice
81. Prostitute
82. Psychic/Medium
83. Public Servant
84. Pulling the Plug
85. Rabbi
86. Recycler
87. Results of a Spinal Surgery Decision
88. Runaway
89. Self Portrait
90. Sign Language Interpreter
91. Sister Support
92. Smoker
93. Solidarity
94. Someone Else’s Miracle
95. Soul Mates
96. Standing Up For Peace
97. State of the Economy
98. Tattoo Artist
99. Teenage Parent
100. Terms of Marriage
101. Twenty-five Years Sober
102. Unplugged
103. Vintage Clothing Vendor
104. Volunteer
105. Voter
106. Warrior
107. Youngest Child
Single subject Decision Portraits: 31” x 25” framed.
Double subject Decision Portraits: 31” x 37” framed.
Triple subject Decision Portraits: 31” x 41” framed.
WISH LIST for DECISION PORTRAITS
Click HERE for the CONCEPTUAL STATEMENT for this series!
Participation can be done almost entirely over the Internet!
MODELS NEEDED FOR:
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: 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: Smaller. Stitched words: I had my stomach stapled.
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 Personal Appearances III. Stitched words: I've had a tummy tuck.
Title: On Personal Appearances IV. Stitched words: I've had a face lift.
Title: On Personal Appearances V. Stitched words: I've had botox.
Title: On Personal Appearances VI. Stitched words: Viagra
(I am interested in any significant decision that deals with a pursuit to ward off signs of aging.)
Title: On Personal Appearances VII. Stitched words: Tanning for years
Title: I am a Woman. Stitched words: I was born a man. (Also, vice versa....any gender decision, including transvestism are of interest.)
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: 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.) There's been a change in title and words....but....I'm waiting on a photo for this portrait. It will be quite powerful. Model's release has arrived!)
Title: Thinner. Stitched words: Liposuction.
Title: Divorced. Stitched words: Irreconcilable Differences (Ideally, this would be both people...a mutual decision.)
Title: Whistle Blower. Stitched words: I turned in my employer
Title: Marijuana. Stitched words: High on high.
Title: Surrogate Mother. Stitched words: I gave birth for someone else's family.
Title: Draft Dodger. Stitched words: I refused to go to war or Conscious Objector
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: Gang Member. Stitched words: I wear my colors
Title: Neo-Nazi. Stitched words: Master Race
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: Exotic Dancer I. Stitched words: Single mother providing for her kid(s)
Title: Exotic Dancer II. Stitched words: Paying for my college tuition
Title: Speeder. Stitched words: Too many mph
Title: Relief Worker. Stitched words: I went to Haiti to help
Title: Cremated. Stitched words: My daughter/husband/friend scattered my ashes
Title: Peer Pressure I. Stitched words: I got into a car with a drunk driver
Title: Peer Pressure II. Stitched words: I called my parent(s) for a safe ride home
Title: Bike Rider. Stitched words: I don't even own a car
Title: Drop Out. Stitched words: I quit school (High-school)
Title: Custody. Stitched words: I fought to raise my child/grandchild
(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.
Participation can be done almost entirely over the Internet!
MODELS NEEDED FOR:
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: 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: Smaller. Stitched words: I had my stomach stapled.
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 Personal Appearances III. Stitched words: I've had a tummy tuck.
Title: On Personal Appearances IV. Stitched words: I've had a face lift.
Title: On Personal Appearances V. Stitched words: I've had botox.
Title: On Personal Appearances VI. Stitched words: Viagra
(I am interested in any significant decision that deals with a pursuit to ward off signs of aging.)
Title: On Personal Appearances VII. Stitched words: Tanning for years
Title: I am a Woman. Stitched words: I was born a man. (Also, vice versa....any gender decision, including transvestism are of interest.)
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: 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.) There's been a change in title and words....but....I'm waiting on a photo for this portrait. It will be quite powerful. Model's release has arrived!)
Title: Thinner. Stitched words: Liposuction.
Title: Divorced. Stitched words: Irreconcilable Differences (Ideally, this would be both people...a mutual decision.)
Title: Whistle Blower. Stitched words: I turned in my employer
Title: Marijuana. Stitched words: High on high.
Title: Surrogate Mother. Stitched words: I gave birth for someone else's family.
Title: Draft Dodger. Stitched words: I refused to go to war or Conscious Objector
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: Gang Member. Stitched words: I wear my colors
Title: Neo-Nazi. Stitched words: Master Race
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: Exotic Dancer I. Stitched words: Single mother providing for her kid(s)
Title: Exotic Dancer II. Stitched words: Paying for my college tuition
Title: Speeder. Stitched words: Too many mph
Title: Relief Worker. Stitched words: I went to Haiti to help
Title: Cremated. Stitched words: My daughter/husband/friend scattered my ashes
Title: Peer Pressure I. Stitched words: I got into a car with a drunk driver
Title: Peer Pressure II. Stitched words: I called my parent(s) for a safe ride home
Title: Bike Rider. Stitched words: I don't even own a car
Title: Drop Out. Stitched words: I quit school (High-school)
Title: Custody. Stitched words: I fought to raise my child/grandchild
(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.
Monday, October 11, 2010
The final portraits stitched before the show in Charleston!
(Above: Voter. Stitched words: Two days before my death to breast cancer...I insisted on casting my ballot. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched and beaded. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: No Meat, Decision Portrait. Stitched word: Vegetarian. Hand stitched. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Youngest Child, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: I took over the family business. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stain muslin. Hand stitched. 25" x 31" unframed; 31" x 37" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Sister Support. Stitched words: We jumped out of a plane....to celebrate reaching our weight goals! Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched. 25" x 31" unframed; 31" x 37" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: State of the Economy. Stitched words: I never thought I would apply for food stamps; Trying to make ends meet; Work, work, work; College Grad; Just getting by; Poor; Bills, bills, bills; Single Mom; No Cash; No insurance; Below Poverty level; Broke; This wasn't suppose to be my life. Xylene Photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Found nails. Hand beaded and stitched. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Creationist. Stitched words: Darwin is wrong. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidery and beading. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Graffiti Artist, Decision Portrait Series. No stitched words. Reproduction "tag". Hand stitched and beaded. Spray paint and found objects. 25" x 19" unframed"; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Expatriate. Stitched words: I left the USA to pursue artistic opportunities; Ballet Dancer. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched and beaded. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Illegal Immigrant, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Looking for the American Dream. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, CLICK HERE!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Even More New Portraits...again!
(Above: Public Servant. Stitched words: I ran for office and won! Mayor 2008 - 10. Hand embroidery and beading. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged. Please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Personal Appearances II. Stitched words: Half my size. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged. Please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Cheater, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched word: Unfaithful. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stain muslin. Hand beaded and stitched. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, CLICK HERE!
(Above: Fighting Illiteracy. Stitched words: Learn to Read at Any Age; I teach; I learn; We did it! So can you! Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched. 25" x 31" unframed; 31" x 37" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, CLICK HERE!
(Above: Gun Owner. Hand embroidery and beading. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, CLICK HERE!
(Above: Homeless. Stitched words: No fixed address. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched with name tag. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, CLICK HERE!
(Above: Sign Language Interpreter, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Communicating with the deaf. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Volunteer. Stitched words: Stitch identification; 4 to 5 hours a week for 31 years at the Henry Art Gallery. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed. Stitches used: straight, running, couching!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Mother's Milk. Stitched words: Breast Feeding. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: First Love, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: I married my high school sweetheart; Ditto; May 25, 1979. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beaded and stitched.
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Parent of an ADHD Child. Stitched words: Embracing the difference by not medicating. Xylene photo transfer on tea stained muslin. 22" x 28" unframed; 30" x 37" framed. Hand embroidery.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Bald is Beautiful. Stitched words: Shaved for Charity. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched and beaded. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
Above: Unplugged. Stitched words: I haven't owned a TV for 12 years. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidery. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25", framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
Here's some more portraits!
Above: Prisoner I, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: I let drugs nearly ruin my LIFE. Hand stitched and beaded. Unframed: 25" x 19"; Framed: 31" x 25".
(Above: Prisoner II, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: I robbed a bank. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched and beaded. Unframed: 25" x 19"; Framed: 31" x 25".)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Friend to Those in Prison. Stitched words: Letters + Visits that Touch Lives. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beaded and stitched. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, PLEASE CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
Even More New Portraits
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please click HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please click HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please click HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please click HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please click HERE!
(Above: Smoker. Stitched words: I enjoy it! Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched and beaded. Unframed: 25" x 19"; Framed: 31" x 25".)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
To see Knight Riders which depicts two Ku Klux Klan members, please CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Midwife, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Delivering Babies at home....including mine. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beaded and stitched.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Broken Nest, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Threw an unruly child OUT. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed. Hand stitched and beaded.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Making a Difference, Decision Portrait. Stitched words: I helped found a public charter school. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19", unframed; 31" x 25", framed. Hand embroidery and beading.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Childless, Decision Portrait. Stitched words: My hysterectomy forever changed my life. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed. Hand embroidery and beading.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarge, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: On Fighting Cancer I, Decision Portrait. Stitched words: Mastectomy Over Chemotherapy. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19", unframed; 31" x 25", framed. Hand embroidery. Below: On Fighting Cancer II, Decision Portrait. Stitched words: Chemo and Radiation over Mastectomy. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19", unframed: 31" x 25", framed. Hand embroidery.)
To read more about the portraits directly above and below with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Late Night Driver, Decision Portrait. Stitched words: 1979 - 2008; Fell asleep at the wheel. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidered and beaded.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Runaway, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: At 15 I hitch hiked to NYC. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidered and beaded. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!
(Above: Husband II, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: I put my wife through law school. Unframed 25" x 19"; framed 31" x 25". Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidery.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, CLICK HERE!
(Above: Lasik Eye Surgery, Decision Portraits. Stitched words: The best thing I ever did for myself. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19", unframed; 31" x 25", framed. Hand embroidery.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, CLICK HERE!
(Above: Psychic/Medium. Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: It's in the cards. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Unframed: 25" x 19"; framed 31" x 25". Hand embroidery and beading; found objects.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, CLICK HERE!
(Above: Boomerang Child, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Living with Dad....Again. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Unframed: 25" x 19"; framed 31" x 25". Hand embroidery and beading.)
To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, CLICK HERE!
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