 My
Stitching Studio by Gail Carolyn Sirna
While doing my Honors Research
for the National Academy of Needlearts I pondered what my stitched
presentation piece would be. My research topic was paintings or other
artworks which depict people engaged in the needlearts. Obviously my
stitched piece had to also depict a stitcher.
Most artists eventually do a self portrait. Shouldn’t I, also ?
Thus was born the Stitching Studio, the name I have used for over 20
years as my business designation.
The Stitching Studio depicts my own studio, which (in addition to the
computer center and the work/teaching table that are not shown in the
rendition) contains shelves and shelves of well beloved books and other
objects which are meaningful to me.
I am an avid collector of Pueblo pottery and part of my collections
is reproduced on the shelf at the top of the bookcases. My other
passion, besides needlework is traveling and the shelves contain
allusions to some notable trips: matrioshka from Russia, an Eiffel
tower, a fan from Spain. Photos of my children hold a place of honor;
another picture shows my husband at Machu Picchu and there is also a
baby picture of my grandson.
One stack of books shows the languages I speak; another row names
places we have visited. Others name favored embroidery techniques:
canvas, crewel, silk. Another shelf holds art books: Monet, Renoir,
Degas, Cassatt, Rodin. Elsewhere you may discover magazine folios which
say Pieceworks, ANG, EGA, and NAN. One of my topiaries graces the wall.
Out the window is not what I usually view, but what I fantasize to
overlook. And in that scene is a tiny plane, indicating my constant
desire to travel.
Perspective was a major challenge in the composition, especially for
the rug and the tiny turquoise cabinet at the right.
A much younger, much more svelte, and greatly overdressed Gail Sirna
sits in the studio, happily absorbed in her needlework, but always with
one eye on that plane to take her away to faraway destinations.
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