Commissioning Artwork

IMG_5182I can’t believe I am writing this.  I’ve commissioned an art piece from a fellow textile artist.  I’ve followed Sue Spence on Instagram for a long time.  Last year she made the most amazing tree.   I have a bit of a tree fixation.  I buy tree artwork and real trees, I plant trees, and I REFUSE to cut trees down on my property.
IMG_5183Back to Sue.  She made a tree in an embroidery hoop last year, and I was fixated.  She threw down a hank of mixed threads on a hoop.  It wasn’t impressive, just weird.  Then she proceeded to fiddle, twist, untwist and couch them into the most astonishing tree I have ever seen.
IMG_5186Last month I was on vacation with my husband when I realized that Sue does these pieces on commission.  Since Jeremy was mellow and melting on the beach, I indulged in some online shopping.  (Hooray for resorts with wi-fi!)  Sue has been sending me teasing photos ever since.
IMG_5207She used some vintage linen, and what appears to be an assortment of threads chosen at random.  I know they aren’t random – I just don’t understand their relationship to each other yet, but I will soon.  I LOVE watching her work, and I keep hoping some of the creativity will rub off on me.
IMG_5203Definitely check out Sue’s Instagram feed.  She does the coolest, weirdest needlework I have ever seen.  Her collage pieces are truly amazing.  Shells, postage stamps, bits of poetry and beads all come together beautifully in her work.  I can’t wait for my tree to be hanging on my wall.  Until then, I have all of these tease progress photos.
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These are the first stitches.  Knowing this piece will be mine makes the progress photos so much more exciting.  Sue also has an Etsy shop – check out all of the loveliness she has for sale.

5 thoughts on “Commissioning Artwork

  1. Hi Jennifer,
    Fascinating! I hope you continue to share photos with us . . . I would love to watch the process as it becomes your trees. ~smile~ Roseanne

  2. Did take a look at her work and can see why you commissioned a tree. Look forward to seeing it come alive!

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