As Sweet, rose

"As Sweet"

Originally intended as a rose study, this piece evolved as I began to question the symbolism of roses and their various interpretations. 

There are many quotes and references to them throughout history, possibly the most famous being from Shakespeare- "That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

A red rose in particular can symbolize romantic love, classic timelessness, but holding such beauty comes at a cost. Roses have thorns, so there's always an element of danger or threatening harm.

Thorns protect the rose, but many people want to complain about them and cut them off. While embroidering this piece, I was thinking about and exploring this idea of natural beauty and still having people find fault with it. 

How many times did I just want to be accepted for who I was but people still found fault with me? Judged me and dismissed me. I sometimes hid aspects of myself or kept quiet in order to be found acceptable, but the thorns were still there. 

With this idea, I embroidered a thorn for every year I've been alive. To remember thorns are natural to the rose's beauty, and that they're there for protection from those who'd rather mishandle and abuse.

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Original art. Created with a raw edge applique technique. Hand embroidered with upcycled vintage fabrics. 

11" x 14"

This piece will be mailed matted and unframed, but it will easily fit in an 11" x 14" frame of your choice.