2003
National Exhibit, Lexington, Kentucky
by Anna-Marie Winter
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Each of the stitchers whose work accompanies this
discussion was asked to provide more information about his or her
needlepoint. Click on either the name of the piece or the
thumbnail picture to see the stitcher's commentary and a larger
picture.
What
Is needlepoint in 2003?
Needlepoint
is our passion. It is our art, the means by which we express ourselves through
fabric, thread, color, pattern and texture. Through needlepoint, we have trained
our senses to become aware of the tactile and visual qualities of our art,
developing a feeling for fabrics and threads of all kinds and attuning our eyes
to form, color, tone and texture. We have learned to be discriminating in our
choices. We have learned to treasure our traditional techniques and embrace
contemporary ones. We have learned that success in our art is found in the
skillful combination of good design and technical excellence.
Needlepoint is an art form that embraces us all, novice and professional alike.
We take pleasure in putting thread to canvas, whether it be stitching a class
project or designing our own. We have, each one of us, found a style of
needlepoint that appeals to us, finding joy as we see the magic unfolding before
our eyes with each completed stitch.
It is my honor and pleasure to present to you a selection of award-winning
entries from the 2003 ANG Seminar Exhibit in Lexington. The entries in this
year's exhibit were exquisite in both design and technique. From traditional
techniques through to contemporary art, from original design to painted canvas,
from amateur to professional, these outstanding pieces reflect the skill, talent
and vision of the exhibitors.
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Landscapes,
or views of inland natural scenery as seen from a single point, are images often
expressed in needlepoint. These panoramic views, with their size, complexity and
detail, offer an irresistible challenge in portraying the image in either
realistic or abstract form. These four images illustrate the various ways in
which landscapes can be interpreted.
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Pajaro
Dunes Threadscape 1010P
Lois Kershner
Small Masterpiece
Second Place, Original Needleart
In
"Pajaro Dunes Threadscape," Lois Kershner worked from photographs to create four delightful views of Pajaro Dunes Beach. Worked as a visual
travel journal, each view is portrayed as a realistic representation, drawing
the viewer into the scenes through the skillful combination of color, texture
and pattern. The concept of a travel journal is taken a step further by mounting
the images together within a single frame, as photographs would be mounted in an
album.
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Winter
Sunset 106NP
Anne K. Haney
Creative Inspiration
Judges' Choice
First Place Original Needleart
Anne
K. Haney was inspired by one of her own watercolors to create "Winter
Sunset." Layered fabrics, transfer paint and fusible web embrace
cotton and metal threads in this abstract interpretation of a landscape.
Brilliant, intense colors, luscious threads, beads and highly textured stitches
combine to create a vibrant image.
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Beth's
Vest 2007P
Mary D. Shipp
Wearable Art
First Place, Adaptation
Landscapes can also be interpreted as wearable art, as shown in this vest by
Mary D. Shipp. In this panoramic view of the hunt, we see images of horses,
riders, fox and dogs set against a landscape of trees, fields, roads, fences and
a pond. In tranquil contrast to the excitement and movement across the lower
part of the vest, the shoulders are balanced by a sedate scene of sky, woods and
houses silently awaiting the return of the riders. The impact of this design
comes from the imagery and the skillful use of color. Subtle stitch textures are
used to enhance the image
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Elysian
Fields 2005P
Debby Powell Franklin
Third Place Adaptations
Landscapes can also combine realistic images with abstract ones, as illustrated
in this highly textural design by Debby Powell Franklin. Inspired by a
photograph taken on a fall morning, this design uses a number of threads and
techniques to create a three-dimensional effect. Painting and netting form the
background for the trees, flowers, weeds, grasses and shadows, worked in shading
techniques using a variety of stitches including diagonal brick, Nobuko, tied
oblong cross, Byzantine, Smyrna cross and variations of the diagonal Scotch and
Jerusalem cross. The eye is drawn outward from the dark shadow of a massive tree
forming the focal point, and into the sunlight where vibrant color and rich
texture abound.
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Closely
related to, and often combined with landscapes, are architectural images.
Architecture is a theme that is frequently used in needlepoint as designs can be
inspired from entire building and cityscapes to more detailed images such as
doorways, windows, and arches.
Santa
Barbara Mission 502NP
Nancy S. Crawford
People's Choice Award
"Santa Barbara Mission" by Nancy S. Crawford illustrates how
landscapes can form the background for an architectural image. The gently
curving road leads the eye through the fields to the mission - the focal point
of the design. Pattern darning, tent, Gobelin and various textured stitches are
skillfully combined with shading techniques to create a realistic scene. You can
almost feel the textures of the slate, stone and mortar and smell the fragrance
of the freshly stacked hay.
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A
Southwest Courtyard 602NP
Edie Faylor
Third Place, Class Project
In "A Southwest Courtyard" by Edie Faylor, the focus is on a small
part of the structure. In using only a portion of an architectural image,
details take precedence. In this design, the door becomes the focal point of the
courtyard. Needleweaving, stitches and a sensitive use of color combine with
found objects to create this delightful, highly textured scene.
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For
centuries, samplers have been the most visually recognized form of needlework.
These small collections of patterns, stitches and techniques continue to inspire
us as shown in these exquisite exhibit pieces.
Dodd
Wedding Sampler 3010P
Mary Ann Dodd
First Place, Independent Project
Mary Ann Dodd has created a personal, rather than the traditional technique
sampler, to commemorate a family event with each symbol, motif and message
chosen to convey a special and personal meaning. Her traditional presentation
uses a narrow border to contain the motifs within the space. The formal
arrangement of alphabet, numbers and borders at the top of the design is
softened by a more random arrangement of motifs in the lower portion. The eye is
drawn to the block of script centered near the top of the sampler, then carried
downward in a straight line, following motifs and script to the lower edge of
the sampler. There is no doubt that this sampler will become a treasured family
heirloom.
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Blackwork
Sampler 311NP
Patricia Philip
Sampler
Third Place, Independent Project
Strip samplers are one of the most easily recognized arrangements of patterns
and borders. In this magnificent piece, Patricia Philip has added her personal
touch to the collection of blackwork bands through the skillful combination and
use of fabric and threads, both solid and overdyed, to create an aged effect.
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Stitch
Li'l Darling 627NP
Laurie McLellan
Second Place, Class Project
Samplers can also be presented in a three-dimensional form as illustrated in
"Stitch Li'l Darling" by Laurie McLellan. In this lovely workbox, the
traditional sampler format of alphabet, text and motif on the bottom of the box
is balanced with a repeating border along the sides. The key to any
three-dimensional design is in the finishing and this piece is worked to
perfection.
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Patterns
of the Orient 312NP
Joan Crowdis
First Place, Independent Projects
A sampler does not always have to contain traditional motifs or be set into a
traditional arrangement. Contemporary samplers illustrate the patterns and
techniques that are used today, and in "Patterns of the Orient," Joan
Crowdis has skillfully worked a collage of vibrant and colorful oriental
patterns within a contemporary arrangement. This stunning design masterfully
combines a wide range of threads and techniques into a kaleidoscope of color,
pattern and texture.
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Holiday
themes abound in needlepoint, allowing us the opportunity to create special and
lasting memories as we celebrate holidays and family traditions. These designs,
whether worked for family, friends or for ourselves, are all stitched with care,
displayed with pride and given in love, often becoming cherished family
heirlooms.
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Kris
Kringle 417NP
Becky L. Worsham
Best of Show
Delegates' Choice Award
First Place Painted Design without Stitch Guide
"Kris Kringle" by Becky L. Worsham is a truly wonderful piece that
will bring a smile to the heart of even the most steadfast grinch! Traditional
colors of red, green and white are combined with a shading techniques and
textural effects to create the illusion of a three-dimensional image. Kris is
masterfully worked, from his sparkling blue eyes and wire-rimmed spectacles to
his perfectly groomed beard. The holly, with its bright red beaded berries and
gold bells, is worked in a softer, untraditional green. By using a softer color
for the holly, it becomes less dominant, even though it is stitched in the
foreground over part of the main figure. Using a black background will intensify
the colors used in the design, providing another reason for using the more muted
greens. Working the sprigs of holly in traditional Christmas greens would have
changed the balance of the design, allowing the holly to present a stronger
image, thereby diminishing the impact of the main figure.
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Harrison's
stocking 4006P
Mary Ann Dodd
First Place Independent Project
"Harrison's Stocking" by Mary Ann Dodd is stunning. It is a simple,
elegant design worked in a limited color harmony that relies on texture and
pattern to convey the image. Set against a crisp, blue winter sky, the two
figures are worked in a neutral color harmony of whites and taupes.
Shading techniques and the skillful use of texture sculpt the figures, adding
incredible dimension to the mane of the horse and to the beard and coat of
Father Christmas. Blackwork patterns, added by Mary Ann over the original motifs
painted onto the canvas, are used to create areas of interest and to break solid
areas of color. It is these personal touches, putting something of yourself into
the design, that transform it into something unique and special, and something
to be cherished.
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Ghouls'
Night Out 419P
Brenda Hall
Princess Grace Award
Second Place Painted Design without Stitch Guide
This haunting set of tombstones by Brenda Hall illustrates a humorous side of
the holidays and shows how important holidays have become in our lives. Ghouls,
ghosts and goblins abound at Halloween and these figures are designed to elicit
a smile rather than a scream. Worked entirely in continental and basketweave
stitches, "Ghouls' Night Out" relies on color and imagery for its
impact. Each tombstone contains a central figure surrounded by pumpkins, black
cats, cauldrons and bats, all stitched in incredible detail and glorious color.
Each tombstone is enhanced by adding painted wooden findings, beads and novelty
threads as the finishing touches.
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Needlepoint
allows us to creatively express our ideas and inspirations through the
combination of fabrics, threads, colors and stitches. There are no boundaries,
other than the ones we create for ourselves, as creative expression comes from
within. We gain inspiration from the world around us and translate our ideas
symbolically, realistically or in the abstract.
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The
Gift 1012P
Meredith Barnhill Willett
Silk and Metal
First Place, Original Needleart
In "The Gift" by Meredith Barnhill, inspiration came in the form of a
sermon and in appreciation for her gift of needlework. Meredith created a rich
and elegant design for a cross. Purl, Jaceron and other metal threads form the
outline, leaves and vines that intertwine around the arms of the cross. In
contrast to these areas of high relief, the underlying background is worked in a
subtle pattern that shifts in intensity with each change in the angle of light.
Four small areas of brilliant red create the spark that carries the eye across
the design area. The sheer simplicity of the design is what makes this such an
outstanding piece.
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Sigma
Nu Fraternity Crest 202NP
Margaret K. von Kuegelgen
First Place, Adaptation
Heraldry and pageantry are themes that are often depicted in
needlepoint, as illustrated in this creative piece by Margaret K. von
Kuegelgen. In adapting the Sigma Nu Fraternity Crest to canvas, the
stitcher had to carefully consider all areas of the design and how they
could be successfully interpreted with needle and thread. Metallic
threads, cording, padding, silk ribbon and an embellishment in the form
of a Commander's badge were used along with a variety threads and stitch
textures to complete this challenging design.
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Phoenix,
Soul of the Sun God 609NP
Susan Cox Wainscott
Honorable Mention Class Project
Brilliant color and rich texture are the predominant elements in Susan Cox
Wainscott's "Phoenix, Soul of the Sun God," inspired by the gems and
gold artifacts found in a pharaoh's tomb. In this symmetrical arrangement, one
side mirrors the other in a blaze of orange, copper, rust and gold silk and
metallic threads, made even more intense against a black background. The design
is exquisitely stitched in a variety of stitches including tied star stitch,
diagonal eyelet stitch and long and short oblique stitch, with random diagonal
leaf stitch worked over sequin waste.
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Peeking
Panda 6003P
Toni Marie Fourté
First Place, Class Project
"Peeking Panda" by Toni Marie Fourté is a delight! The giant panda,
peeking out from the branches of the bamboo, is a study in perspective and
realistic shading. The detail achieved in stitch-painting the fur and eyes to
look natural is outstanding. Layering the bamboo leaves and branches, beginning
in the background with flat stitches worked on the surface of the canvas and
progressing to three-dimensional raised work in the foreground, creates the
perspective.
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Blue
Jeans Tool Tote 4001P
Peter Crawford
Second Place, Painted Design without Stitch Guide
"Blue Jeans Tool Tote" by Peter Crawford is a simple yet creative
design that illustrates how things we see every day can inspire a design
that is so unexpected and so charming. Worked entirely in metallic threads, the
detail and shading achieved in this piece is remarkable. Attention is paid to
every detail from the button, the buttonhole, and the top stitching to the
amusing glimpse of underwear! This is one piece I may be tempted to stitch!
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Geometric
Butterfly 1014P
Toni Gerdes
Judges' Choice Award
The style of Frank Lloyd Wright was the creative inspiration for "Geometric
Butterfly" by Toni Gerdes. In this interpretation, only half of the image
is depicted, leaving the remaining half to the imagination of the viewer. In
keeping with the simplicity and clean lines of Frank Lloyd Wright's style of
art, the design was stitched predominantly in Gobelin and mosaic stitches, which
change direction throughout the design. Bold, bright colors, shading and the
clever use of form create the illusion of two substantial geometric shapes
rather than the delicate wings of a butterfly. Geometric accents worked in
Rhodes stitches and the imaginative frame complete the design.
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Happy
Thought 103NP
Jeanette M. Hein
President's Choice Award
Second Place, Original Needleart
"Happy Thought" by Jeanette M. Hein was inspired by a quote from
Robert Louis Stevenson and by Jeanette's love of nature. The design, worked
entirely in cotton thread, is reminiscent of a sampler with its formal placement
of text and motifs contained within a border. Bright colors and cheerful images
make this a memorable piece.
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As
in all art, humor can play an important part in providing the inspiration for
our needlepoint. Whether they make us smile, laugh out loud or gasp in
astonishment, these whimsical pieces are sure to warm your heart.
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Flock
Together 508NP
Nancy Taffel
State Ribbon
"Flock Together" by Nancy Taffel is an eclectic collection of
birdhouses set in a summer garden. Cotton embroidery floss, wool, silk, nylon
and linen combine with Gobelin stitches, herringbone, point de tresse, burden
stitch, tramé, basketweave, Smyrna, diagonal woven, buttonhole on a bar and
silk ribbon work techniques to create a design full of color and texture. A
flock of three-dimensional birds adds the final touch to this charming design.
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Afternoon
Tea 4005NP
Charlotte McDonnell
Honorable Mention,
Painted Design without Stitch Guide
"Afternoon Tea" by Charlotte McDonnell is one of those pieces
you keep coming back to for more. Each time you view the piece, you see
another detail that you missed the first time. This is whimsy at its
finest! Inspired by her stitching group, this regal bird sits in royal
pose on a magnificent chair sipping her tart tea, though it is not clear
from the tea bag whether "tart" refers to the tea or to the
bird. The design is an explosion of color and pattern from the scissors
wallpaper to the faux Florentine of the overstuffed chair. There are
also subtle nuances that should not be missed such as the people feet
for the legs of the chair and the straw on the chair cushion. A truly
joyful design!
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Rainbow
Chickens 305NP
Dee Schlecht
Judges' Choice Award
Inspired by folk art, Dee Schlecht combined two separate designs to create
"Rainbow Chickens." As its name implies, a rainbow of colors was used
in this piece, both for the central figures and the surrounding border.
Grounding the design is a more muted background in various shades of green with
a subtle pattern resembling chicken wire worked in contrasting gold threads.
This piece would brighten even the darkest room!
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My
House 201NP
Mary Stewart
Honorable Mention, Adaptation
Mary Stewart has created a charming image in "My House." Whimsical,
with an almost childlike quality, this piece was inspired by a simple silhouette
of a house and worked as a challenge project. Using a variety of unusual threads
including a tweed knitting yarn, the design combines a number of stitches and
technique, including Brazilian embroidery for the flowers.
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Valentine
House 504NP
Jeanne Kunzman
First Place, Painted Design with Stitch Guide
"Valentine House" by Jeanne Kunzman is a masterful piece of
embroidery. Worked in several pieces, this three-dimensional
gingerbread house is a confection of pattern and color, containing
over 15,000 petite seed beads. This intricate and detailed design is a
testament to the skill of both the stitcher and the designer.
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