Hand-dyed linen, cotton embroidery thread
Embroidery samplers were traditionally created by girls working to hone their skills with a needle and thread. I too am a girl, even as I stitch the message to my unborn child, Judy: "I would've loved you, but I'm happy I don't have to". With each stitch I grappled with grief for what I had lost and gratitude for what remained unchanged.
Common rue flowers (in the lower corners) and blood root flowers (in the upper corners) are both found in the northeast United States and known to have abortifacient properties. With the incorporation of these plants, I aim to illustrate abortions as rooted in the natural world as well as something with the potential to be fruitful following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Common rue flowers (in the lower corners) and blood root flowers (in the upper corners) are both found in the northeast United States and known to have abortifacient properties. With the incorporation of these plants, I aim to illustrate abortions as rooted in the natural world as well as something with the potential to be fruitful following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022.