Decision Portraits

DECISION PORTRAITS....recent exhibition and hopes for the future!

2010-10-13T12:48:00.002-04:00

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!

List of completed portraits

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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

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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.

The final portraits stitched before the show in Charleston!

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(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!

Even More New Portraits...again!

2010-06-11T21:10:00.002-04:00

(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!

2010-06-11T21:00:00.001-04:00

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".

To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!

(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!

(Above: Results of a Spinal Surgery Decision. Stitched words: Still driving, quilting, and making the most of Life. 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: Prostitute, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Sex for $. 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: DUI (Driving Under the Influence) III. Stitched words: I made a mistake. 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: DUI (Driving Under the Influence) II. Stitched words: I made a mistake. Hand embroidery and beading. 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: DUI (Driving Under the Influence) I. Stitched words: I made a mistake. 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!

Even More New Portraits

2010-06-11T20:06:00.009-04:00

(Above: Argentine Tango Dancer, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: I took up TANGO at age 60. 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: Drag Queen. Stitched words: I was meant for this. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidery and beading. Unframed: 25" x 19"; Framed 31" x 25".

To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please click HERE!

(Above: Hitch Hiker, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Thumbs Up! Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidery. Unframed: 25" x 19"; Framed: 31" x 25".)

To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please click HERE!

(Above: Educating at Home. Stitched words: His primary educator for 10 1/2 years. 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: On Personal Appearances I, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: I've dyed my hair for years. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidery and beading. Unframed: 25" x 19"; Framed: 31" x 25".)

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!

(Above: Warrior. Beaded letters read: Prayer, Genetic Testing, Radiation, Missing Work, Colonoscopy, Fear, Mastectomy, Preventive Hysterectomy, Chemotherapy, Remission, Losing Hair, Cancer Questions, Survivor, Insurance Problems, Urging Others to Get.....Stitched words: Regular Check Ups. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beaded and stitched. Unframed: 25" x 19"; Framed 31" x 25".)

To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!

(Above: For Science. Stitched words: My body will be donated to a medical school. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Unframed: 25" x 19"; framed: 31" x 25". Hand embroidered and beaded.)

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!

(Above: He Wanted to Die at Home. Stitched words: I refused to put my father in a home; Three years of loving care until he died. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand stitched.)

To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!

(Above: Leukemia Decision, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: I refused further treatment; 1937 - 2008. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Unframed: 25" x 19"; framed 31" x 25")

To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!

(Above: Adoption, Decision Portrait. Stitched words: I contacted my birth parents. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidery and beading. Unframed, 25" x 19"; Framed, 31" x 25".)

To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!

(Above: I Buckled Up, Decision Portrait. Stitched words: Saved by the belt. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Unframed 25" x 19"; framed 31" x 25". Hand beaded and stitched.)

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!

CONCEPTUAL STATE for DECISION PORTRAITS

2010-05-19T13:03:00.000-04:00

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 important and everyday decisions. 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.

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 an upcoming exhibition at City Gallery at Waterfront Park in Charleston, SC already scheduled for September 10 through October 10, 2010. I need as many portraits as possible. I need to secure portraits by June 1, 2010 in order to be completed by the installation of the show.

To participate, one must sign a standard model's release and provide a digital image via email. I will supply the model's release with a self-addressed, stamped return envelope!

EMAIL ME to participate or with any questions!

More New Decision Portraits

2010-05-19T12:54:00.003-04:00

(Above: Missing Holly, Decision Portrait. Beaded words: I turned my back on a friend in need; She committed suicide; Now I tell everyone. Stitched words: I love you. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand embroidered 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: Importer, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Shipping Goods In; Importer. Below: Exporter, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Shipping Goods Out; Exporter. Both are xylene photo transfers on tea-stained muslin with found objects. Hand stitched and beaded. 25" x 19", unframed; 31" x 25" framed.

To read more about Importer and Exporter with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!

(Above: Advocate, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Letting Other Men Know They Aren't Alone; Breast Cancer Survivor. Hand embroidery and beading on tea-stained muslin. Unframed: 25" x 19"; Framed: 31" x 25".)

To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!

(Above: Mackenzie at 15, Decision Portrait Series. Stitched words: Self Directed Homeschooler. Xylene photo transfer. Hand embroidery and beading on tea-stained muslin. Unframed: 25" x 19"; Framed: 31" x 25".)

To read more about this portrait with images that can be enlarged, please CLICK HERE!

More New Work!

2009-08-18T13:20:00.006-04:00

(Above: Family Role Models, Decision Portrait Series. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Framed 31" x 37"; unframed 25" x 31". Stitched words: Go to work Mom; Stay at home Dad. Click on image to enlarge.)

To read more about Family Role Models and see more images that can be enlarged, please click HERE!

(Above: Pulling the Plug. Framed: 31" x 25"; unframed 25" x 19". Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beading and embroidery. Stitched words: I took my mother off life support. Click on image to enlarge..)

To read more about Pulling the Plug with images that can be enlarge. Please click HERE!

(Above: Inventor, Decision Portrait Series. 2010. Framed: 31" x 25". Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. Stitched words: Saw a need; Solved a problem; Got a patent; Pegheds Inc., For Better Cello Tuning. Click on image to enlarge.)

To read more about Inventor with additional images that can be enlarged. Please click HERE!

(Above: Happily Ever After Again, Decision Portrait. 31" x 37" framed. Stitched words: 1994 Married; 1995 Divorced; 2009 Remarried. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin, hand stitched and beaded.)

To read more about Happily Ever After Again with additional images that can be enlarged. Please click HERE!

(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

2009-08-12T08:31:00.005-04:00

(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!

2009-04-07T14:39:00.010-04:00

(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!

2008-12-07T09:30:00.006-05:00

(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

2008-09-28T08:08:00.008-04:00

(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.

(Click on image to enlarge.)
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

2008-06-26T23:24:00.019-04:00

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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".

(Click on image to enlarge.)
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

2008-06-26T23:12:00.002-04:00

(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

2008-06-26T22:30:00.002-04:00

(Click on images to enlarge.)

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.