Bay Willow
18” x 24”
Acrylic and Chainstitch Embroidery on Canvas

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I have been struck by this weeping willow that I pass on my way into town. Especially in the early spring, its colors were different than everyone else’s. While most plants were exploding with young greens and pastel pinks, this weeping willow stood out with its gold and amber tones.

I am calling these pieces “paintstitches” as they incorporate both acrylic paint and chainstitch embroidery. I begin with the paint and add chainstitching after nearly all the painting is completed. In these pieces I am interested in centering the experience of the present flora, usually right before or right after sunset/sunrise or the coming storm. I like to image that the main event has either already happened or is about to happen. In both cases, we, the human viewer, are not seeing it. Instead we are watching the flora as they engage with the sky. Was it a good sunset, birch? Are you ready for the sunrise, fern? What will the night bring, yarrow?