Shelby Evans - Stick a Needle in My Eye (Cotton fabric, embroidery hoop, yarn, felt, embroidery floss, 8.5" diameter, 2019)
During my residency at Plough Gallery, I created a series of twelve girl’s faces in embroidery hoops. I wanted to use the traditional tools of women to question how the stereotypes associated with womanhood can limit personhood. Ignoring or defying those stereotypes allows people a more complex view and appreciation for individuals as individuals. The work references the promise poem, “Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” This eyeless girl smiles knowing that her promises may or may not be guaranteed and that she is not obligated to higher standards, but her own standards.
During my residency at Plough Gallery, I created a series of twelve girl’s faces in embroidery hoops. I wanted to use the traditional tools of women to question how the stereotypes associated with womanhood can limit personhood. Ignoring or defying those stereotypes allows people a more complex view and appreciation for individuals as individuals. The work references the promise poem, “Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” This eyeless girl smiles knowing that her promises may or may not be guaranteed and that she is not obligated to higher standards, but her own standards.
During my residency at Plough Gallery, I created a series of twelve girl’s faces in embroidery hoops. I wanted to use the traditional tools of women to question how the stereotypes associated with womanhood can limit personhood. Ignoring or defying those stereotypes allows people a more complex view and appreciation for individuals as individuals. The work references the promise poem, “Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” This eyeless girl smiles knowing that her promises may or may not be guaranteed and that she is not obligated to higher standards, but her own standards.