Virtual Sewing Circle and Indigenous North American Art

I'm so proud to be adding my voice to yet another creative collaboration, this one through Yale University Art Gallery and Denver Museum of Art.  This past Sunday, I met virtually with over 100 people, and we embroidered messages in conjunction with artists Marie Watt (Seneca) and Cannupa Hanska Luger (Manda, Hidasta, Arikara, Lakota) for their new work Each/Other.    

The idea is that each person embroiders a message that responds to these questions - What would the world look like if, as humans, we thought of ourselves as companion species?  Can acts of creative collaboration help heal broken bond with the environment and with each other?  Messages are embroidered onto bandanas and/or 22" square fabric, and these pieces are then combined to create a soft sculpture. 

The sculpture will be installed as part of the exhibition Each/Other, with artworks by both Cannupa and Marie, at Denver Museum of Art, seen here (click) - Each/Other at Denver Art Museum.  This exhibit is a compliment to the one currently at Yale Art Gallery, Place, Nations, Generations, Beings:  200 Years of Indigenous North American Art.  Unfortunately, the exhibit has been closed due to COVID-19, and also unfortunately, I did not have a chance to see it before it closed.  You can read more about here - Indigenous Art - Yale University Art Gallery.

Here is mine: 

Protect Mother Earth by Marsha Borden

Detail, Protect Mother Earth by Marsha Borden

 

I hope you enjoyed reading about what's been going on for me artistically and I look forward to hearing from you on my website at www.marshaborden.com or right here on my blog at www.marshamakes.blogspot.com. 

USPS Art Project at ECOCA

Over the summer, I collaborated with my friend Janet Warner for the USPS Art Project, hosted by Ely Center of Contemporary Art (ECOCA) in New Haven, Connecticut.  This project was started by artist Christina Massey as a call to action to support the United States Postal Service (USPS) during the COVID-19 crisis.  

Here's how it worked - Each artist began an artwork for their collaboration partners to finish, sending them to each other by mail.  It was designed to help artists feel connected while practicing social distancing, while at the same time, helping to support the financially struggling USPS.  The project was free and open for all to participate.  

Janet and I created an 18" x 23" linen tapestry with hand-sewn and embroidered elements in earth-tone hues.  We named it Lateral Inhibitions.  

The show was huge - over 330 collaborative works from across the country.  And to pull off an on-site exhibit during this pandemic was truly amazing.  Thank you to all the organizers - including Margaret Roleke and Maxim Schmidt - who made this show happen! 

 

Exhibition View - Lateral Inhibitions

You can see the entire exhibition list here - USPS Art Project Exhibition List.  If you scroll down to pages 29 and 30 you can see the gallery room as well as connect (through a link) to a detail view of the piece on Instagram.  Totally worth it to take a few minutes to check out all of the great work in this show!  

You can also see a totally cool virtual tour here - USPS Art Project Virtual Tour.  

Embroidering with The Badass Cross Stitch at Fuller Craft

I've been a follower and a fan of Badass Cross Stitch (AKA Shannon Downey) for some time.  I was thrilled to learn that Shannon would be hosting a Stitch-Up in Brockton, MA at Fuller Craft Museum.  You can learn all about it here -  Badass Cross Stitch - but essentially, the project is about telling your story, becoming empowered, and making a difference by engaging with community.

I took my daughter, and we spent a long afternoon stitching, talking, learning, and creating. 

We didn't finish during the workshop, but we worked hard at home until they were finished and sent off in the mail to Shannon!

These are not super photos, but at least you get the idea.  The ultimate goal of this ongoing project is to create a massive 3-D installation with everyone's 12" x 12" squares stitched together.  How cool is that?!  I know I'll be checking in on this ambitious project periodically to see how things progress.

If readers have any interest in learning more, do click on the link above to learn more (or Google Badass HERstory).  Trust me, you'll be impressed.  And then you'll want to join this amazing project.  You will.