You are in for such a treat! Brooklyn artist Joetta Maue has kindly allowed me to feature a few pictures of her work, and I only hope that my bumbling words to accompany them come close to doing them justice.
Joetta uses re-purposed linens ("stains and flaws are embraced") to bring to life the yearnings, the fears, the hopes and the aspirations of the human heart. She embroiders the most evocative words and phrases in the most perfect of ways. Take a peek, and prepare to love:
The fragility of the linens and the bold strokes of embroidery, to me, tell of the coexistent fragility and strength of the human heart. And its the female human heart we're talking of here. Joetta herself says: "By making work that resides within the realm of the everyday, everyday objects, and the female, I am attempting to defy and contest masculine censure. In effect, I reclaim my femininity: the quality of being feminine, without the fear of losing strength or respect."
That may sound a bit complicated, but it isn't. Not at all. Not when you look at these images.
I hear echoes of the voices of generations of vibrant women as I look at these works...
Women whose entire lives were about giving and loving...and being so very tired...
Joetta says of herself: "I am not an extraordinary woman. I do not live under extraordinary circumstances. I am a woman who has both flaws and fears and also strengths and hopes. Through the depiction of these characteristics, I invite the viewer to relate to and connect with the work, the artist, and the subject of human experience."
Her words and her work express this experience, life in complexity, life of fear, life of love and longing, that I don't dare to add anything more. Except for this: You are extraordinary, indeed, Joetta. And thank you for sharing with us the interiors of our hearts.
Joetta has an etsy shop where some of these beautiful, beautiful works are available. And you can follow her daily musings on her blog, as well.
Enjoy!
