Stitching serenely

I am using back stitch to keep the font legible and neat while generating that amateur folk art quality. Repressing my perfectionist streak and giving myself permission to stitch sloppily without corrections was an interesting and healthy experience. 

Why do I want to "be perfect"?

I will leave the letters empty of fill. 

This intentional choice does a few things.

It creates a visual language of vacuum, which is a metaphor for the opportunity I am trying to present to the audience; a space where they can reflect on intention and power. The power of words. Power constructs in organisations. In society. In gender dynamics. And, because the words lack fill, lack substance, it deflates them somehow. This mirrors the floppy quality of the wimple. And it creates a pleasing paradox that echos the ambiguity I want to evoke.

Making this piece was a kind of deep process for me. It took me on a personal journey because of my past experience and trauma. 

I felt the power of this and was nervous and reticent. But while stitching these words, I very quickly felt a wave of calm wash over me. I literally felt serene. Honestly, this was so unexpected and it was a humbling. 

It made me think on the power of words. That words are spells. Words are magic; they are how we manifest. Apparently, even someone who openly calls themself a witch can forget this sometimes. I am deeply grateful for this process. Process is all. 

Wet (washing the water reactive fabric pen out).

Dry.

The cute pink lettering subverts the visual script of the fabric and the wimple so deliciously. And the fonts kitsch quality juxtaposed with the weight of the words creates paradox. I am pleased. 

My heart feels glad and full that I have created something that will give others a chance to reflect and feel. To step into process. I have created a ritual installation, a piece that will offer connection and relationship. Both to self and to others. 

This feels meaning making and I understand that this kind of effort is core to what I want to offer to audiences.