Flower Power, 2024

2024 was a productive year. I created several different book series of embroidered and embellished books during my 1.5 years as a Folger Institute Fellow.

Beautiful Flowers, Sonnet 54, Shakespeare

These three flower books are in response to Shakespeare's Sonnet 54.

During my artist talk at the Folger on 16 November 2024, I mentioned the power of flowers.

"The act of giving flowers is a timeless gesture of deep appreciation, love, or praise. Beyond their symbolic value, flowers serve as visually striking design elements, drawing the eye and creating inviting focal points. Even after a fresh bouquet fades, the memory of the gesture endures, lending a poignant resonance to these artistic choices." /Suzanne Coley, 'Coded Threads,' November 2024

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Surviving my Teen Years with Shakespeare

I became passionate about poetry in high school when I desperately needed guidance. When I needed something to make sense of the chaos others called life. There was no IG, no FB, no Internet, no cell phones, no "reach out and touch" when life quickly crumbled, leaving you alone with just the clothes on your back. Earlier this year I revisited all 154 Shakespeare Sonnets and began making textile books inspired by them. Here is Sonnet One -- Don't Get Twisted by the Bling of Youth.

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Baltimore Sonnets

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