Jennifer McBrien's portfolio

Warrior Bird Women Series

The large Warrior Women Series is a continuation of my pushing the fabric beyond the hoop. Each piece includes a toile curtain panel that is attached to a vintage embroidery hoop at the top but flows out of the bottom half . Each panel becomes more aged (by dying with tea and grime) as the bird, which is represented by the head of the bird woman , becomes more endangered. With the Ruff being the lease endangered to the Horned Grebe. The female bodies are taken from historical and contemporary paintings ranging from Ingres to Eric Fishel. Each bird woman is created with freemotion embroidery on organza . Each warrior woman also has a belly full of dried medicinal plants that would have all been advantageous when I was going through my cancer treatment a couple of years ago. Threads from the warrior woman are sewn throughout the curtain panel to make subtle connections to the historical scenes found in the toile scene.

Warrior Women Group

Group of Four Original Warrior Women

Available for Purchase

Contact Artist for Purchase. Currently touring until March 2025
Ruff Warrior Woman

Ruff Warrior Woman ,2024. Freehand machine embroidery on organza, with head appliquéd on toile decor fabric curtain , figure hangs freely from head down. Inside her belly is a collection of dried mountain mint. 53" H x 36" W x 5”D

Available for Purchase

contact artist for purchase. Piece is currently touring until March 2025 Price $6250
Bicknell's Thrush Warrior Woman

Bicknell's Thrush Warrior Woman ,2024. Freehand machine embroidery on organza, with head appliquéd on tea dyed toile decor fabric curtain , figure hangs freely from head down. Inside her belly is a collection of dried iron weed. 53" H x 36" W x 5”D

Available for Purchase

Contact Artist for Purchase. Currently touring until March 2025
Golden Cheeked Warbler Woman

Golden Cheeked Warbler Woman, 2024. Freehand machine embroidery on organza, with head appliquéd on tea dyed toile decor fabric curtain , figure hangs freely from head down. Inside her belly is a collection of dried nigella.

53" H x 36" W x 5”D

Available for Purchase

Contact Artist for Purchase. Currently touring until March 2025
Horned Grebe Warrior Woman

Horned Grebe Warrior Woman , 2024. Freehand machine embroidery on organza, with head appliquéd on tea and burnt pot grime dyed toile decor fabric curtain , figure hangs freely from head down. Inside her belly is a collection of dried nigella.

53" H x 36" W x 5”D

Available for Purchase

for Purchase. Currently touring until March 2025
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Ruff Warrior Woman Puppeteer,2024. Freemotion and hand embroidery on organza and toile decor fabric. 24” H x 12” W

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/ruff-warrior-the-puppeteer-ii/411?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
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Bicknell's Thrush Warrior Woman Conducts the Tie Up ,2024. Freemotion and hand embroidery on organza and toile decor fabric. 24” H x 12” W

Available for Purchase
Golden- Cheeked Warbler Warrior Woman Seeks Revenge

Golden- Cheeked Warbler Warrior Woman Seeks Revenge, 2024. Freemotion and hand embroidery on organza and toile decor fabric. 24” H x 12” W

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/golden-cheeked-warble-warrior-seeks-revenge/412?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
Horned Grebe Warrior Woman Pushes and Pulls

Horned Grebe Warrior Woman Pushes and Pulls , 2024. Freemotion and hand embroidery on organza and toile decor fabric. 24” H x 12” W

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/horned-grebe-warrior-woman-pushes-and-pulls/422?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9

Faraway So Close

In "Faraway So Close", I began this piece by manipulating remnants of toile fabric , making the background break away from the confines of the wall and extending into a three-dimensional space.The artwork draws inspiration from the concept of torn wallpaper, symbolizing the act of peeling away layers to reveal glimpses of historical life.Throughout the fabric's narrative, a red thread is intricately woven, symbolizing connection, blindfolding, guidance, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. It wraps around arms and fingers, pushing and pulling, telling a story of both connection and isolation—a continual yearning for communication despite differing perspectives.

The hybrid bird women, crafted through freehand machine stitching on organza, serve as guardians, prognosticators, and soothsayers. Strategically hand-sewn onto specific areas of the composition, they contribute to the narrative of the artwork. The title alludes to Wim Wenders' film of the same name, exploring the polarities within a newly unified Berlin and reflecting on the contrasting aspects of contemporary life.

The final piece is stretched on a 54" x 54" frame, with parts extending about 18" below and 2" off the sides, creating a visually striking and immersive composition."

Faraway So Close

Freehand machine embroidery on organza for hybrid bird women with hand embroidery on toile remnants and felt pieced together and appliquéd onto canvas. Stretched on 54" X 54" heavy duty stretcher strips. Completed 2024

Photography by Joseph Hyde

Available for Purchase

contact Jennifer at [email protected]
Detail: Faraway so Close

Detail of layering effect of organza and hand embroidery

Photography by Joseph Hyde
Faraway So Close, detail

Detail of layering effect of organza and hand embroidery

Photography by Joseph Hyde
Faraway So Close, detail
detail

manipulated toile fabric
Faraway So Close, detail

Detail of layering effect of organza and hand embroidery

Photography by Joseph Hyde
Faraway So Close, detail

Detail of layering effect of organza and hand embroidery

Photography by Joseph Hyde
Faraway So Close, work in progress

Once the piece was stretched on the stretchers strips, I was able to lay the pipe on my work table to add hand embroidered details.

Hanging them Out to Dry , 2019-present

"Hanging Them Out to Dry" explores the human impact on climate change through daily activities. The hand-embroidered piece features a variety of birds at different levels of endangerment, symbolizing our role in environmental degradation. The choice of vintage napkins and a clothesline adds historical and functional significance, emphasizing the trade-off between convenience and the health of our planet.

This artwork marks my first exclusive use of hand embroidery. Inspired by the "Stitching as Drawing" course at Penland School of Craft, the design is a personal creation aimed at preserving and dedicating space to endangered bird species. Drawing on painting knowledge and color theory, I navigated the three-dimensional aspect of stitching, blending thread colors to create a visually compelling representation of these living birds.

This piece is an ongoing piece that was recently added to during my recent artist residency in France where I added the Egyptian Vulture, an endangered bird in France. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with composer Adina Forsberg, of Stockholm ,Sweden. Installed at the Chapel at Château De Bouthonvillers, Dangeau, France. October 26, 2023. Part of the Atelier Artist in Residency Program.

Hanging them out to Dry, Installation
"Hanging them out to Dry" installation
"Hanging them Out to Dry"
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Hand Embroidered birds on vintage linen napkins, Installed at the Chapel at Château De Bouthonvillers, Dangeau, France. October 26, 2023. Part of the Atelier Artist in Residency Program.
Belted Kingfisher

Belted Kingfisher , hand embroidered on vintage linen
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Hand embroidery on vintage linen napkin
"Hanging them out to Dry" Barn Owl , 2019

Hand Embroidered Barn Owl on vintage linen napkin
Hanging Them Out To Dry

Video of the installation

The Guardians

In these works, my bird women engage with scenes depicted in decor toile fabrics. The toile scenes serve as a symbolic reference to humanity's progressive encroachment on natural landscapes and the resulting consequences of exploiting Earth's resources. This series portrays the beginning of humanity's exploitation and pilfering of the Earth's resources, prompting my bird warriors to intervene, educate, and safeguard the future.

Continuing my technique from previous works, I employ freehand machine stitching with black thread to outline the figures on cotton or organza. Subsequently, hand embroidery is used to introduce color, intricate details, and form to both the birds and the bird heads within the figures. This dual approach adds depth and nuance to the narrative, enhancing the visual impact of the artwork.

The Hard Conversation

Bird women are created with freemotion machine stitching for line work and hand embroidery for color hands. Hand embroidery on toile decor fabric scene. Stretched and framed in a 23" vintage embroidery hoop. 2023

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/the-hard-conversation/162?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
Ms. Spoonbill Goes to Battle

Freehand machine stitched line work with hand embroidered painting of bird heads and birds, on cotton appliquéd on toile decor fabric curtain panel. Stretched in a 18" x 18" vintage embroidery hoop. 2023

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/ms-spoonbill-goes-to-battle/164?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
Under the Bushes

Bird women are created with freemotion machine stitching for line work and hand embroidery for color heads. Figures are appliquéd on barkcloth and toile decor with color shade added with organza

Stretched in a 20” x 12” x 1” wooden embroidery hoop.

2023

Photography by Joseph Hyde

Available for Purchase

contact any [email protected]
The Squawking Display

Freehand Machine stitched figures on organza. Appliquéd and reinforces stitched onto toile decor fabric. Heads are hand embroidered

Stretched in a 20” x 12” x 1” wooden embroidery hoop.

photography Joseph Hyde

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/the-squawking-display/203?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
The Guardians

Figures are created with freemotion machine stitching for line work. Bird women have hand embroidered "tattoos" that are renderings of the pattern from toile fabric . Stretched and framed in vintage 23" embroidery hoop.

Photography by Joseph Hyde

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/the-guardians/161?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
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Freehand machine stitched line drawn figures with hand embroidered bird heads and Brown Pelican. Figures and Barkcloth and organza are appliquéd onto toile decor fabric. Stretched in a 20” x 12” x 1” wooden embroidery hoop.

Available for Purchase

contact [email protected]
Ms. Sage Grouse and the Woodcock Try to Save the Day

"Ms. Sage Grouse. and the Woodcock Try to Save The Day" is a fiber piece that features freehand machine and hand embroidery . A seated Sage Grouse woman is a freehand machine stitched on organza that is then appliqued and reinforced stitch onto Toile decor fabric that was originally a proper drape. Her head is hand embroidered, layering color embroidery thread to create depth and form. She sits on a manhole cover created with freehand machine stitching on felt. She sits opposite of an American Woodcock, created by freehand machine painting, creating color and depth by layering color threads. He also stands on a felt manhole cover, freehand stitched on the sewing machine. All added features are appliqued and reinforced stitched onto the upcycled curtain.

The Final piece is stretched onto an 18" X 9" half circle wooden, vintage embroidery hoop.This piece was completed in 2022.

Photography by Joseph Hyde

The Final piece is stretched onto an 18" X 9" half circle wooden, vintage embroidery hoop.This piece was completed in 2022.

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/ms-sage-grouse-and-the-woodcock-try-to-save-the-day/163?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
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Features freehand machine stitched chimney swift, American Woodcock, and Mockingbird woman with hand embroidered head, appliquéd on Toile decor fabric and stretched in a vintage wooden embroidery hoop that measures 27” W X 18” H X 2”D.

The Three Graces

The inspiration for the Three Graces series stemmed from my quest to find figures for my bird woman series. During a visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art, I encountered Dirk de Quade van Ravesteyn’s "The Three Graces" (1590-1612), a piece that resonated with me on multiple levels. This historic artwork became the foundation for my inaugural piece in the series, titled "The Healing Three Graces."

"The Healing Three Graces" features the Ruff, the barn owl, and the Allen Hummingbird, each representing qualities of joy, beauty, and confidence. Drawing upon the historical symbolism associated with the three graces, I sought to embody positive and uplifting emotions, values, and qualities within my bird woman.

In contrast, "The Fighting Three Graces" employs the heads of the California Quail, the Northern Flicker, and the California Quail. These birds symbolize the struggle for survival in the face of climate change. I utilized freehand machine embroidery for the bodies and incorporated hand embroidery for the heads, creating a visual representation of the birds' fight for existence.

Both pieces, crafted in 2022, encapsulate the essence of the Three Graces series, marrying historical inspiration with contemporary concerns.

The Healing Three Graces, 2022

The Healing Three Graces, 2022. Freehand machine and hand embroidery on organza and cotton on decor fabric. Stretched in a vintage wooden embroidery hoop. 23" X 23" X 1.5"

Photography by Joseph Hyde
The Earth's Three Graces, 2022

Freehand machine and hand embroidery on organza and cotton, appliquéd on decor fabric. Stretched in a vintage wooden embroidery hoop. 23" X 23" X 1.5"

Photography by Joseph Hyde

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/the-three-fighting-graces/160?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
Hummingbird Woman detail

Hand embroidered head and wings.

Photography by Joseph Hyde
Barn Owl Woman detail

Hand embroidered barn owl head

Photography by Joseph Hyde
Fighting Three Graces detail

Hand embroidered bird heads.

Photography by Joseph Hyde
Preliminary Sketch for Fighting Three Graces

Eye Seeing Eye

This series merges the original figure with the hybrid bird woman, a creation inspired by the figure itself. Utilizing free-motion embroidery on organza, cotton, or felt, I rendered each element—figures, birds, and plants. The technique adds a dynamic and textured quality to the pieces, enhancing the visual impact of the entire series. Notably, all the works in this series were brought to life in 2023, showcasing a cohesive exploration of form, symbolism, and embroidery techniques within a single creative period.

Ruff and Ready

Freehand machine stitched woman and ruff headed woman on organza , appliquéd on toile decor fabric, stretched in a vintage wooden embroidery hoop measuring 27” W X 18” H X 2”D.
All is love in Symmetry

"All is Love in Symmetry" features a reclining figure and a reclining hybrid bird woman created with free motion embroidery on organza and two birds: a Carolina wren and a brown pelican, also created using free motion embroidery on cotton fabric. An ironweed seed pod is free motion embroidered on felt. All subjects are appliquéd and reinforced stitched on decor fabric and stretched on a 14 inch wooden disced, then framed in a 14 inch embroidery hoop. Another wooden disc is attached on the back that is signed and dated and includes a hanging device.

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/AllisloveinSymmetryFigurativefiber/196?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
Jenny and Wren

Freehand Machine stitched figures on organza and felt. Appliquéd and reinforce stitched onto toile decor fabric. Stretched in a 12” x 12” x 1” wooden embroidery hoop.

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/jenny-and-wren/204?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
There are No Chickens Here

This 14" hoop piece features Free Motion (Freehand Machine stitched) figures and Tuffed Loosestrife plant on organza. Figures are appliquéd onto fabric that has French newspaper print pattern that is then appliquéd and reinforced stitched onto red and cream toile decor fabric.

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/ThereareNoChickensHereFreemotionfiberart/200?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
A Day in the Sun

"A Day in the Sun" features two reclining figures, one a woman with her back to us, and the other a hybrid bird woman who wraps her arm around the woman in a motion to protect. Both figures are freehand machine stitched on organza. Feverfew plant is freehand machine stitched on mustard gold felt, and hibiscus on teal green felt. All pieces are reinforced stitched onto the cotton fabric.

Stretched and framed in a 15" x 8".

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/ADayintheSunfiberart/195?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
Ovenbird Breaks the Symmetry

Freehand machine stitching on organza for figures and ovenbird and felt for poplar tulip seedpod and ironweed . All items are them appliqued and reinforced stitched onto toile decor fabric. Stretched in on a 14" wooden disc that is then framed in a wooden embroidery hoop.

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/ovenbird-breaks-the-symmetry/201?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9

The Emergence of the Bird Women

The genesis of my bird women can be traced back to the profound impact of Alexander McQueen's exhibition, "Savage Beauty," at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in the summer of 2011. Although the show didn't immediately influence my work, a second viewing at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 2015 left an indelible mark, particularly the unforgettable duck wing dress. The incorporation of animal elements in McQueen's creations, including headdresses and dresses, lingered in my thoughts.

The turning point came in 2016 with the advent of the Trump administration, a period marked by a constant barrage of news and a pervasive sense of distrust in the government. Witnessing the erosion of human rights and environmental protections propelled me to seek strength for the fight against what I perceived as an oppressive power. The vision of a bird woman, inspired by McQueen's earlier work, became a symbol of empowerment. I envisioned myself adorned with wings and a helmet, akin to a superwoman, a fighter.

The ensuing rage from this tumultuous period manifested in the creation of my new characters and plants, which now play and interact within the scenes of toile and decor fabrics. To bring these visions to life, I employed a diverse range of materials, selecting fabrics based on their opaqueness and color. From vintage barkcloth to organic cotton to felt, each material contributed to the unique texture and visual richness of the stitched artworks. This series, born out of a period of intense emotion and response to societal challenges, captures the resilience and strength needed to confront adversity.

Ruff Gal Goes to Mt. Vernon

Freemotion embroidery on organza appliquéd on Toile decor fabric depicting George Washington's home, Mt. Vernon. Measures 18" x 18" x 1"

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/ruff-gal-in-mt-vernon/358?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
Turkey Vulture Woman goes Country

Freemotion emboidery on organza appliquéd on toile decor fabric. Measures 18" x 18" x 1"

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/turkey-vulture-woman-in-toile/359?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9
Queenfisher Dips Her Toes , 2020

"Queenfisher Dips Her Toes", 2020, 24" X 24" X 1" Freehand machine-stiched bird-women, swimming pool and tree. The Diving board and Ladder are also freehand machined drawn on felt.
Ruff Gal's Army , 2021

"Ruff Gal's Army , 2021, is a fiber piece that features freehand machine stitching and painting. The Ruff women and the Queenfisher are freehand machine stitched on organza that is then appliquéd and reinforced stitch on to vintage barkcloth fabric. The barn owl and grackle are also freehand machine-stiched with color threads ( along with the queenfisher head) on organic cotton that is also appliquéd and reinforced stitched onto the barkcloth. Two Ginko leaves are stitched on felt and stitched onto the barkcloth. The Final piece is stretched onto a 27" X 18" oval wooden, vintage embroidery hoop.
Ruff Gal, 2021

"Ruff Gal" is part of a series of hoop pieces that feature collaborative birds, women, and plants interacting amongst vintage decor fabrics. All subjects have been freehand machine stitch on fabrics ranging from organic cotton to organza to felt. All pieces in this section are one of a kind. Ruff gal is a freehand machine stitched on organza that is appliqued and stitched onto vintage decor toile fabric. Flowers surround her are stitched on high-quality wool blend felt. This piece is attached to an 18" wooden round disc and then framed in a vintage wooden 18" embroidery hoop. Another wooden disc then is attached for backing, which is then signed and dated along with a metal D ring for hanging.
A Nap in the Garden , 2021

"A Nap in the Garden" is a fiber piece that includes freehand machine stitching with some hand embroidered french knots!. A bird-headed figure is a freehand machine stitched drawn on organza that is then appliqued and reinforced stitch on to vintage barkcloth. A Plantain English plant is also a freehand machine stitched for the outlines and for the color filling with hand embroidered french knots. A swallow is a freehand machine stitched on blue felt and appliqued and reinforced stitched onto the barkcloth, The Final piece is stretched onto a 15 X 8" wooden oval vintage wooden embroidery hoop.
The Monkey Dance, 2020

"The Monkey Dance" 2020. 18" X 18" X 1" Freehand machine-stitched crow headed figure, brown pelican and heather on fabric, felt blindfold. Stretched and frame in a vintage wooden embroidery hoop.
Dance of the Woodcock, 2019

"Dance of the Woodcock" 2020. 18" X 18" X 1" Freehand machine-stitched bird-headed figure, woodcock and plant on fabric. Stretch ed and frame in a vintage wooden embroidery hoop.

Watch Children 2022

The "Watch Children" series is a contemporary reinterpretation of contour line drawings that originated from sketches of my high school students during my tenure as an art teacher at a Baltimore County High School spanning over 30 years. These drawings served as the foundation for a series of paintings I created in 2005, marking the final chapter of my painting era before transitioning into the realm of fiber art.

In "Watch Children," I reimagine these teens , now with added bird heads , are now tasked with the responsibility of overseeing vital environmental specimens. The artworks capture their palpable boredom and weariness in the face of this newfound duty. I've experimented with various bird heads, patterned backgrounds, props, and essential seeds and pollinators crucial for our ecosystem's sustenance and the thriving of their avian lives.

Employing freehand machine stitching, I replicate the fluidity of my original ink drawings, infusing each piece with dynamic texture. Diverse fabrics contribute to the works' tactile richness, providing overlays and patterns that enhance the visual complexity of the series. Through "Watch Children," I bridge the past and present, drawing on my teaching experience and artistic evolution to explore themes of environmental stewardship and the interplay between youth and responsibility in the context of our ecosystem.

Michael and Jeffrey Globe Dreaming

This piece is titled "Michael and Jeffrey Globe Dreaming " features all freehand machine stitching on Michael the Curlew head and Jeffrey the Woodcock headed figures ,stitched on organza , cotton fabric for her clothes is then appliquéd and then the entire figure is appliquéd and reinforced stitched onto the decor cotton fabric. The pussy willow seed pod is also freehand machine stitched on cotton fabric that is then appliquéd and reinforced stitched on.
Allison Just Wants Toast, 2022

Allison Just Wants Toast, 2022. Freehand Machine stitching on organza, cotton and felt; image transfer on cotton. Framed 13.5" X 10.5"X 2"
Stephen Takes A Walk through the Woods

Freehand Machine stitching on organza, cotton and felt on cotton. Framed 13.5" X 10.5"X 2"
Brian Having a Hard Watching Over His Seeds and Nuts

Freehand Machine stitching on organza, cotton and felt on cotton. Framed 13.5" X 10.5"X 2"

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/brian-having-a-hard-time-guarding-the-nuts/175?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=10
Kevin

Freehand machine stitching on organza, cotton and felt, image transfer on cotton.

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/kevin/172?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=10
Brian and The Wren

Freehand Machine stitching on organza and cotton appliqué on cotton. Framed 9.5" X9.5"X 2"
Alison Still Wants Her Toast, 2022

Freehand Machine stitching on organza, cotton and felt; image transfer on cotton. Framed 13.5" X 10.5"X 2"

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/allison-just-wants-toast-again/178?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=10
Elise

Available for Purchase

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Ruby

This piece is titled "Ruby” that is based off of my painting contour line drawings of my student Ruby. Ruby has a Green tail Towhee head with a teenager body and is freehand machine stitched on organza and appliqué and stitched on legal paper pattern fabric. The walnuts that she is watching are freehand machine stitched on high quality felt. The diagram of plant transition is freehand machine stitched on the fabric directly. This final piece is stretched on a wooden painting panel and then framed with a pine wood. The dimensions of this framed work is 11.5" X 9.5" X 2"

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/ruby/169?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=10
Michael and Jeffrey

"The Genealogy of My Imaginary Family"..Birdland and the Anthropocene and Beyond, 2017- 2023

In 2017, I expanded my repertoire of sewn bird portraits into a larger family, forming the ancestral figures in my piece titled "The Genealogy of My Imaginary Family." This composition was created specifically for the "Birdland and Anthropocene" exhibit at the Peale Museum, where it filled a prominent display case.

Comprising 13 freehand machine-stitched bird portraits, ranging from 3" to 14" in size, the canvas-stretched circular hooped birds collectively resembled a genealogy tree reflecting diverse human personalities. The selection of native birds, spanning from the familiar to extirpated breeds in Maryland, aimed to evoke a sense of familial connection. The arrangement of these portraits tells a nuanced narrative through subtle expressive reactions and silent dialogue, akin to family portraits.

Each bird portrait was meticulously crafted using freehand machine stitching, a method of manipulating the canvas under the moving needle to draw every mark, value, and detail. The labor-intensive process resulted in line drawings that served as a dedicated homage to the preservation of these avian species.

Since the creation of this piece, my "family" of bird portraits has continued to evolve. The portraits vary in shape and size, from ruff to helmeted guineafowl, and from profiles to full-body representations. The transition from black thread to a spectrum of colors adds depth and vibrancy to the ongoing series. In 2023, I introduced these bird portraits as collaborators within scenes found in toile fabrics, further expanding the narrative and visual richness of my evolving avian family.

Check out the show here for the Birdland and the Anthropocene catalogue

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Freehand machine stitched green kingfisher appliquéd and stitched onto toile decor fabric. Stretched in a 14" embroidery hoop.
gallery view

Gallery view of the Installation in the Peale Centre . Piece was arranged and installed in the white case. Photo by Joe Hyde.
the genealogy of my imaginary family

Freehand machine stitched bird portraits on canvas, ranging in sizes 14" to 3", stretched in embroidery hoops. Arranged to represent or mock a human family ancestor tree. 2017
Burrow Owl

"Burrow Owl" , 10" Embroidery Hoop, Freehand Machine Embroidery

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/burrowing-owl-stitched-portrait/108?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=8
Freehand Machine Drawing of European Starling

Freehand Machine Drawing of European Starling on my long arm quilting machine, 2019
Starling

"Starling" , 12" Embroidery Hoop, Freehand Machine Embroidery

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/european-starling/113?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=8
Ruff

"Ruff" , 14" Embroidery Hoop, Freehand Machine Embroidery

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/ruff-stitched-portrait/106?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=8
Eurasian Kestral

"Eurasian Kestral" , 12" Embroidery Hoop, Freehand Machine Embroidery

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/european-kestrel-stitched-portrait/116?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=8
Broad Billed Hummingbird , 2020

This Broad-billed Hummingbird is one of the newest and the first full-color bird portraits of my bird portrait series. This one is more than a portrait that emphasizes his full and brave body! !This drawing is based on a photograph from a bird app. on my iPad. This bird is created completely with thread, layering colors to create the form of the bird. This bird portrait has been created by freehand stitching on a sewing machine! Otherwise, I draw with my sewing machine. There is absolutely no programming involved. I draw each portrait first as an ink drawing and use that to trace guidelines of the image on the canvas using a fabric marker that fades or washes away. Even though I may use the same drawing per bird, each becomes an of a kind due to the process that I use. Stitched in black on heavy duty cotton duck canvas fabric and is stretched in a 14".
Pigeon Gets Held Up, 2023

Freehand machine stitched band tail pigeon on toile decor fabric, stretched on a 14" embroidery hoop.

Available for Purchase

https://www.jennyjen42.com/product/the-band-tailed-pigeon-gets-held-up/159?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=9

Looking through the Lines

My exploration of overlaying lines traces back to the early nineties, inspired by the captivating work of David Salle. Salle's ability to prompt viewers to discover new dialogues within overlaid images and his adept use of juxtaposition left a lasting impact on my artistic sensibilities. During this period, marked by introspection and a quest for my artistic vocabulary, I delved into soul-searching and sought inspiration from childhood textbooks and found imagery.

In my early paintings, I embraced the technique of projecting images, playing with textures, and overlaying images and color. The projected line, in particular, became a meditative and labor-intensive aspect of my work. This technique persisted throughout much of my painting career, allowing me to express complex narratives through the layering of visual elements.

The parallels between my painting and fiber work became apparent as I continued my artistic journey. In my fiber art, I draw on the traced line, overlaying it onto the pattern, and integrating it with the color shapes of fabric and felt. This approach, reminiscent of my earlier painting technique, signifies a seamless transition in my exploration of overlaying lines, demonstrating the enduring influence of David Salle's innovative use of juxtaposition and layered imagery.