These WIPs have my attention!

At the moment, I'm almost distracted by having so many ideas for projects. Trying to quietly work on these two longterm pieces.

Frame 11 is my contribution to Aubrey Longley-Cooke's X stitch animation.

WIPs: Frame 11 & detail from Shadow Spine, 2013

I'm mesmerized by the way the piece is slowly developing before my eyes. It reminds me of my past work in the darkroom, standing in the dim light over puddles of chemicals and watching my prints come to life in the tray of developer. There is almost something alchemical about it.

Each new color I stitch adds a layer.  

As crazy as all of the Atlanta travel was in the midst of my anemia flare, I'm so glad that I am able to be a part of it. (Special thanks to my dear friend Kate for patiently showing me how to somewhat neatly do X stitch!)

Using a Q-snap frame is making it easier to stitch.

Exciting news from Aubrey -- the animation is going to be included in The Window Project in Atlanta this September! The Window Project is a digital, public art installation, featuring enormous screens that will display various videos and other digital artworks. I will definitely be making another trip to see that in person!

Shadow Spine in process. What is it with my and portraits of my back?!

At the opposite end of the spectrum of the intensely colored Frame 11 piece is a more personal, private portrait of my own back that I'm calling Shadow Spine.

French knots as shadows. Detail from Shadow Spine.

I'm stitching it on gray Kona cotton in shades of charcoal, silver and black. I'm experimenting with French knots to create shadows and will use other free-hand embroidery stitches to build the piece as I go. This feels entirely different from the pixilated grid of the X stitch piece. This process is more familiar, but I find that building pieces like this gives me a sense of uncertainty that is kind of exciting. Like I'm creating as I go.

Stitching at the infusion clinic. Take that, anemia. I'm a tough mofo!

Going back and forth between the two pieces is a wholly jarring pleasure. I like being jarred like this.