Saturday, November 17, 2018

Flora as Fashion: V. Marc Fortress

"Flora as Fashion: V. Marc Fortress" 2018

When I sit down to embroider a portrait, several elements influence what shape, color and pattern I eventually use to embellish each piece. The characteristics of the vegetation I have chosen to place my subjects in front of is the most influential element that helps to shape the garment and influence its eventual pattern. The color selection is often determined from the historical reference a particular piece of clothing conveys.

Yet the one component that has the greatest impact on all of these elements is the personality of the subject I have photographed. In this portrait of V. Marc Fortress, I placed him in front of this bush because I was attracted to its structural branches and repeating patterns that reminded me of V. Marc's dreads.

But it is his smooth, warm, engaging personality that lead me to the shape of the super hero cape. If more people were like V. Marc, we would be living in a peaceful and just world. While I was crafting this cape, it seemed like a natural evolution to render it in warm natural tones. The final result to me, is reminiscent of my grandmother's knitted blankets which were always a cozy and safe place to be.

Julie Green
November 17, 2018

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Flora as Fashion: Lola Carroll

"Flora as Fashion: Lola Carroll" 2018

I'm back in the stitching saddle again, creating more pieces in anticipation of an exhibition of this body of work in 2019! 

I was inspired to photograph several friends for this series while I was visiting Texas in August. Lola graciously posed for me while we were visiting Blue Hole, a swimming spot in Wimberely, TX. The clear water was in stark juxtaposition to the swamp-like foliage that surrounded the swimming hole. The water was chilly but exhilarating. Being surrounded by old-growth cypress trees dripping in spanish moss while swimming was a novel experience for me. 

While I was thinking about the memories my friend Lola and I have shared over the years, this bridal veil began to take shape out of the foliage in the photograph. I remembered photographing Lola's wedding back in the 9T's in the Palace of Fine Arts Rotunda and capturing her own veil as it blew vertically straight up into the air. It was a surreal moment and I fondly remember her smile and excitement by the unexpected life in her fashion accessory.

I'm thrilled with the results of this stitched portrait. The color palate perfectly conveys the surroundings I remembered while visiting this location and the memories of my friend's wedding veil.

Julie Green
November 10, 2018

Saturday, November 3, 2018

There's No Stopping Permanent Green Light