In the final days of my 2016 Stitch Journal, colors ranged from browns for winter weeds, field stubble, and squirrels; to orange for a leaping fox; to red for bittersweet. On December 31, I ended the year as I began it last January, with white seed stitches, for snow.
Day 358
Day 359
Day 360
Day 361
Day 362
Day 363
Day 364
Day 365
Day 366
By stitching every day for a year, I proved to myself that art can be a daily practice and need not be relegated to "spare time." This was incredibly affirming to me as an artist. It was also a real pleasure to spend a year observing nature each morning in my corner of western Massachusetts. Thanks to this project, I feel more deeply tied than ever to the place where I live.
Best of all, those following me on Instagram grew to anticipate my daily posts—and knowing how much they looked forward to each day's stitching made me very happy. This was easily the most satisfying project of my career as an artist, thanks in no small part to the delight expressed by my Instagram followers. Even though I sometimes felt tethered to social media, I'm so glad I shared this journey every day, all year. And I look forward to witnessing the seeds I have planted grow, as others begin their own stitch journals!
Here is a shot of four of the months together (January, March, October, and December):
Next steps? I need to raise funds for stretchers, professional photography, and a website. After that, I'll seek exhibition opportunities for the project, so you can come see it in person.
Many followers have asked if I will have a new Stitch Journal this year, and the answer is a resounding "yes!" The theme for 2017 will be "Presence/Absence." I'll begin it on my birthday, January 13, and it will involve both embroidery and drawings. I will document it on my new Patreon page.
I hope you enjoyed this year of daily art and stitching. Thank you so much for following along.
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2 comments:
I loved your stitch journal - it has inspired me to start my own year of stitching. Can't wait to see your new project!
Thanks, Inna!
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