"Unseen Battles"

The beauty of the natural world holds endless inspiration for me. What first started out as a simple flower study quickly became something deeper.

As I was embroidering the surrounding garden scene, the spider's web was the original image I created. Since this is a slow artform full of textures and threads, I was left with my thoughts with every push and pull of the needle.

I suddenly remembered something my aunt said one day when I was decorating a cake. She loved the garden details but thought I had "ruined it with that spider." 

Months later as I was working on this piece, I contemplated that idea. That one small thing could ruin something. That one small thing can have such a huge impact on one's life and cause a visceral reaction.

Even when others may brush it off as insignificant. Tell you it's not that big of a deal or to get over it.

I do not suffer from arachnophobia nor have a strong reaction to them like some, so I was left wondering what does make me freeze up and want to run away? I quickly realized my anxiety gives me the same physical reaction of tensing up, causing stress, and wanting to avoid certain situations or circumstances. 

The spider represents the unseen battles every one of us has, and it reminds us to be gentle to ourselves and others.

To see it and acknowledge the danger it represents but not letting it ruin our daily walk in this one beautiful life.

Original art. Created with a raw edge applique technique. Hand embroidered with upcycled vintage fabrics. Pink camellia nestled in a garden.

11" x 14"

This piece will be mailed unframed, but it will easily fit in an 11" x 14" frame of your choice. Double matted.