Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

In my practice, I remove text from pre-existing cross-stitch. The process is similar to erasure poetry. It transforms lengthy verse into short instances of speech. The remaining text — sweet nothings, passionate ramblings, and lovelorn pleas — echo the traditional marital practices needlework upholds; the feminine virtues cross-stitch boasted attracted potential suitors, creating successful ‘love’ matches.

Where do you find inspiration?

I'm inspired by the female makers that came before me. They were not acknowledged as genuine artists, nor their work regarded art. As such, they were largely forgotten. All that attests to their existence is a small signature, after which I typically name each piece — an homage. These women deserve more than the dumpsters, attics, and thrift stores that their fabric legacies occupy. Their handiwork must be recognized for what it is: ART… but can such only occur in a changed state?

What would you do with $25,000?

$25,000 is a staggering amount -- more than an artist/teacher like me could ever dream of! I'd use the prize money to aid with basic living expenses, settle some of the debt that I acquired in school, and help me purchase more art supplies. My practice has somewhat slowed because of the cost of such, which is difficult to balance with the financial demands of everyday life.