It definitely gives the impression of the skull being split apart into fragments rather than moving to join together despite it being a scientific diagram that is intended to illustrate how the parts fit together. I wanted to illustrate both the amazing engineering that we contain and also the vulnerability and fragility of our bodies.
This piece took a long time to stitch as the outlines were so intricate. There was a lot of fill stitching too but I quite enjoyed that. The black thread I used was a cheap floss from a multipack- and it was horrible! My advice would be that cheap floss is fine for chunky stitching but when split into strands like here it is too weak and not smooth enough- there are so many knots on the back of this piece! I plan to get this framed- I'll stretch it over some mountboard first.
I'd love to know what you think of it- please let me know.
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It's gorgeous and a bit creepy (in a good way)!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutly amazing. The pieces of the skulls look like maps. I love it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love that you based it on a scientific diagram. Being an (almost) PhD biochemist, your art is true to my heart!! I'm fairly new to needlework, but I seem to have dived right in to an embroidery and a needlepoint project based on anatomical illustrations form the 1700's. I rarely take science inspiration into my garment construction, but it seems just perfect for needlework, don't you think!?!
ReplyDeleteThese are luminous and delicate. And I adore the fill stitch. The pastel "baby" colors are perfect for the piece -- it jarring but subtle, if that makes any sense. Gorgeous work. Just stunning.
ReplyDeletei think you really accomplished showing the complexity and the fragility, but with great tenderness.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful. I like the contrast of the black outline with the pastel colors. Beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating compilation. I really like that you chose to work with traditional baby pastels. Really interesting!!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone- I am so glad you all felt the pastels make the piece as I was nervous about using them! Erin your project sounds great - hope I get to see it!
ReplyDeleteI love the weirdness of this piece- in the true sense of the word. I makes me think of medical specimens in jars and how when in front of them one can't stop starring. It's our own weirdness we are seeing - the otherness, fragility, mortality. Quite inspired!
ReplyDeleteHi Sophie, wow! What a wonderful piece, the fill stitching is absolutely lovely, it's so smooth and consistent. I also feel that the pastel colors are just perfect for this project, I can't imagine them any other way. I do feel your pain with regard to the cheap black floss. I recently started a project with such floss, only got about 30 minutes in and gave it up as a bad job. I can't stand all the knots and snarls, they make me crazy. This piece is going to be gorgeous framed, well done!
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