Collective Unraveling
new works by Sarah Detweiler
My work explores feminine narratives through figurative paintings that integrate the traditionally feminine craft of embroidery to challenge the boundaries of feminism. The embroidery allows my work to be revealed in stages and acts as a visual invitation to take a closer look. My art is about making connections, whether it acts as a mirror to the viewer or as window into another person's experience. It is about being seen and felt.
My most recent series, "Collective Unraveling," reflects a collective experience that is occurring in our current political and social climate. There is a common thread between many that share feelings of anger, despair, frustration, and helplessness. The issues that are causing us to come undone are also bringing us together. The use of embroidery reflects the idea that the parts of us that become unraveled can also be used to mend.
Cloud #3. Watercolor, wool & embroidery thread on paper, 8”w x 8”h.
Collective Unraveling #1 (It Starts with Two). Oil & embroidery thread on paper, 16”w x 20”h.
Collective Unraveling #3 (The Tribe). Oil & embroidery thread on paper, 20”w x 16”h.
Collective Unraveling #3 (The Tribe) Detail. Oil & embroidery thread on paper, 20”w x 16”h.
Housewife. Watercolor, gouache, gold leaf & embroidery thread on paper, 11”w x 14”h.
I Can See Your Aura. Watercolor & embroidery thread on paper, 16”w x 20”h.
Indivisible. Oil & embroidery thread on canvas, 22”w x 12”h.
Perspective. Watercolor & embroidery thread on paper, 20”w x 16”h.
Sedimental. Watercolor & embroidery thread on paper, 16”w x 20”h.
Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? Watercolor & embroidery thread on paper, 11”w x 14”h.
The One That Got Away. Watercolor & embroidery thread on paper, 11”w x 14”h.
This Land is Your Land...This Land Was My Land. Watercolor, gouache & embroidery thread on Paper, 16”w x 20”h.
Watershed. Oil & embroidery thread on paper, 20”w x 20”h.
What Lies Beneath (Parkland). Watercolor, gouache & embroidery thread on paper, 20”w x 16”h.
Wherever You Go, There You Are. Watercolor, Gouache & Embroidery thread on Paper, 16”w x 20”h.
Sarah Detweiler
Sarah Detweiler is a Philadelphia area based mixed media painter whose most recent work incorporates embroidery with watercolor, gouache and oil paints. She has a BFA from the University of Delaware in Visual Communications and a Masters in Art Therapy from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. She has exhibited in group and solo shows in various locations including New York City, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Sarah's art centers around themes of feminism, female empowerment, and the human experience. See more of Sarah's work on her website and on Instagram.