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!
Amy-
Your words are so very sweet and I have such deep gratitude for them-
This is by far one of the most thoughtful posts done on me and I greatly appreciate it.
It is so meaningful to know that as an artist others are connecting to and being moved by what you do. In truth this is the deepest desire of art.
Thank you.
Warmly-
J
Posted by: joetta | June 09, 2009 at 07:01 AM
such a wonderful post about somoene who is very inspiring. i have followed her work for over a year now and i have
been moved by the marriage of the old linens, her work and the words that speak for them. Sometime's i think about the piece
before it came to her, when it was on someone else's table or around someone else waist while they cooked by the stove and i think how maybe these women
could have used these words in their life in big bold beautiful script and perhaps somehow they called for them and by some luck joetta found them in
her hand....
really see, she is so inspiring i can't help but imagine the life of each piece!
Posted by: nadia | June 09, 2009 at 06:17 PM
That is exactly how I feel, Nadia--you just said it much more beautifully than I did! Thank you for sharing your thoughts here. I appreciate your visiting and commenting more than you know...!
xox.
Posted by: Amy Hanson | June 09, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Joetta, it is an honor to be able to feature your work here. Truly an honor! You are most welcome.
xox.
Posted by: Amy Hanson | June 09, 2009 at 06:24 PM