Threads That Bind
Artist Book with archival pigment prints onto arches cream paper with handmade paper covers, 2022
7 in. x 176 in.
Within my artistic research, I have learned that for Italian immigrants and their descendants, textiles (needlework), represent a marker of identity. The education in needlework typically skips a generation; the daughters of immigrants were not interested in learning these skills. The granddaughters were often more interested in this aspect of Italian heritage. I find this to be true as I, the granddaughter, am a trained weaver.
My skills are a perfect complement to my grandmother’s and my ancestors: I weave the cloth and they would have embellished. Threads That Bind photo series recognizes this marriage of mediums and reflects on my lineage of fiber craftswomen. A concertina book of present day images represents three generations. As I look at photographs of these women I have barely known, I look to my body that reveals a strong resemblance.
My skills are a perfect complement to my grandmother’s and my ancestors: I weave the cloth and they would have embellished. Threads That Bind photo series recognizes this marriage of mediums and reflects on my lineage of fiber craftswomen. A concertina book of present day images represents three generations. As I look at photographs of these women I have barely known, I look to my body that reveals a strong resemblance.
