Art and Memories: Stitched home commissions

When I think about the art that resonates with me, I find a feeling of recognition. It’s often challenging to articulate what this feeling means, but that connection is undeniable.

I find it fascinating that art has this incredible power to evoke memories or moments we've experienced, almost like a subtle whisper from our past. When we encounter a piece of art that taps into those feelings, it can be profoundly impactful.

Have you ever felt this way?

I certainly have, especially when I reflect on my clients’ experiences. Many of their commissions stem from a desire to relive that feeling—an intentional effort to create something that not only represents a memory but also evokes that emotional resonance.

Take, for example, my home commissions. When someone commissions a tiny stitched representation of a house they’re connected to, it becomes more than just a visual record; it encapsulates the essence of that place—the laughter shared, the quiet moments, the memories made. 

For me, art is intrinsically linked to feelings that echo experiences I’ve had before—often those subtle emotions I might be hesitant to discuss openly. It’s the sensation of wanting to escape a crowded room or feeling like a brick wall during a conversation. 

Of course, memories can be unreliable, and I often question the validity of my feelings, leading me to ponder whether any of it matters. But the feelings of connection to place and memory remain, and that is enough. 

Below are two homes created as a commission for a lovely family. The daughter contacted me asking if I could stitch her parents' home. Her parents were moving into a rest home and selling their home filled with memories. The first home is the original house, the 2nd is the rebuilt modern version, both have a special place in the heart of this family. I spent many hours and thousands of stitches saving these memories in a different way than a photograph ever could.