Grounded
Wool (felted and embroidered) and beads
12 x 12 inches
2024

Tree roots have multiple functions; they anchor a tree in place, absorb water and nutrients, store food, produce hormones, and facilitate communication with other nearby trees. When envisioning this piece, I initially thought about the anchoring aspect of tree roots and how they provide stability and strength. I wondered, what anchors me in life? What grounds me? Family, friends, nature, creativity, music, and stillness are just a few things that provide me with balance, support, and peace. These words have been stitched into the root structure of the tree and the wide, straight trunk represents a strong, healthy soul from being grounded.

Recently, while helping to clean out my childhood home, I discovered a collection of hand embroidered family heirlooms and realized that I descend from at least 3 generations of artistc stitchers. Although I learned my basic embroidery skills as a child, this recent discovery has inspired me to take these techniques to a new level in my mixed media art and continue my family’s tradition. This piece is needle felted, embroidered, and beaded.