Muslim. Stitched words: I Forgive Those
Who Look at Me with Hate. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand
beaded and stitched. 25” x 19” unframed; 31" x 25" framed. Click on image to enlarge.
My studio is located at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios in downtown Columbia, SC. There are twelve other private studios and a large gallery, atrium, and hallways for outside individuals and groups to rent for their own exhibitions. This summer (2009) The University Painting Society held a show. One of the exhibiting artists was very interested in my studio and my work. She wanted to expand her artwork to include fibers. Well, I was as interested in her as she was in me. From the moment I lay eyes on her, I hoped she would pose for this portrait …and SHE DID!
My studio is located at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios in downtown Columbia, SC. There are twelve other private studios and a large gallery, atrium, and hallways for outside individuals and groups to rent for their own exhibitions. This summer (2009) The University Painting Society held a show. One of the exhibiting artists was very interested in my studio and my work. She wanted to expand her artwork to include fibers. Well, I was as interested in her as she was in me. From the moment I lay eyes on her, I hoped she would pose for this portrait …and SHE DID!
As a result, she came to the weekly, informal gathering of
friends in my studio.... a "stitch, knit, and talk” session on Monday
evenings. I introduced her to some fiber techniques and got the photo and
signed model's release for the portrait.
This portrait is a powerful work, an important addition to
the series. We all talked about religious freedom.... a value that founded this
country; we all talked about how world conflict interferes with this
fundamental right. We all agreed that tolerance is needed.
A hijab is a headscarf worn by Muslim women. It conceals the hair and neck and sometimes the face with a veil for the eyes. The word in Arabic means "curtain / cover" and is based on the root حجب meaning "to cover, to veil, to shelter" It is worn over daily clothes in public and generally removed at home. It is similar to a burqa which Wikipedia describes as a garment covering most of the body as an outer garment. Burqa comes from the Arabic root /r/+/q/+/ʕ/ which means "to patch up" or "to sew up". Muslim women wear both as a sign of modesty and religious devotion. Unfortunately, there are many people all over the world that look upon these clothing choices as something sinister and fearful. Personally, I simply see a fellow female who is proud to proclaim a faith that shares the same Old Testament as my beliefs. I hope this portrait when viewed by others, provokes thoughts about how to best respond to someone of another faith. I am happy to number this new "fiber enthusiast" as a new friends.
A hijab is a headscarf worn by Muslim women. It conceals the hair and neck and sometimes the face with a veil for the eyes. The word in Arabic means "curtain / cover" and is based on the root حجب meaning "to cover, to veil, to shelter" It is worn over daily clothes in public and generally removed at home. It is similar to a burqa which Wikipedia describes as a garment covering most of the body as an outer garment. Burqa comes from the Arabic root /r/+/q/+/ʕ/ which means "to patch up" or "to sew up". Muslim women wear both as a sign of modesty and religious devotion. Unfortunately, there are many people all over the world that look upon these clothing choices as something sinister and fearful. Personally, I simply see a fellow female who is proud to proclaim a faith that shares the same Old Testament as my beliefs. I hope this portrait when viewed by others, provokes thoughts about how to best respond to someone of another faith. I am happy to number this new "fiber enthusiast" as a new friends.
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