Watercolor Canvas Stitching
Visual art has been something I’ve made a part of my life since I was first able to hold a pencil in my hand. When deciding upon what to take at my arts magnet high school, it was a tough choice between wanting to perform and wanting to create visual art. Thankfully, I was pushed by a teacher I dearly admire to continue drawing, and draw I did. Even into college, though I hardly found the time for it, I’d create artwork for my friends on special occasions and even sold custom-made pins to my fellow students!
This year, however, art has taken on a completely different meaning in my life. As junior year was coming to a close, COVID-19 seemed to disrupt all my plans and suppositions for the year ahead. As summer began, I found myself diving into my other artistic interests outside of performing as deeply as I had years ago. I have been more fervently active in my photography, pushed myself to experiment more rigorously in my filmmaking, and have discovered how to incorporate two loves into one brand-new visual art form that has taken a lot of my focus lately: watercolor canvas stitching! Perhaps not the technical term, but certainly the phrase I’ve lovingly coined.
The process includes me painting and spattering my canvas with watercolors, then printing or drawing a piece of art I wish to be stitched on the piece. From there, I poke the design on the canvas and, using colorful thread of course, sew into my canvas the design of my choice! Needless to say, the projects are pretty time-consuming. But with the consuming of time I find myself in what I’ve learned in psychology is my “flow state”; The amount of time the artwork take doesn’t matter, and the task is difficult and entertaining enough to where I must completely focus my efforts. When the work is complete, I feel thoroughly satisfied and compelled to begin immediately on a new project!
During this time of uncertainty, fear, and complete change, I’ve found a little bit of stasis for myself to stay preoccupied and content. It’s also proven beneficial monetarily as well since I now have orders coming in to make more custom pieces! Overall, I’m glad to have pushed myself to try something new. My love for painting with watercolor, line art, and stitch-work have culminated into an art form I don’t think I’ll be giving up anytime soon!
