A Line That Marks The Start.
There's a lot to think about while planning a wedding. A lot of it can really make you lose sight of what the day is really about; love. While we mostly think of romantic love at weddings, every kind of love is on display, familial, love of friends, and even love of community. For me as a Virginia to Oregon transplant with friends and family all over the world, my community is far reaching and often feels intangible, however the love I have received from the communities I am a part of has shaped me in obvious and lasting ways. When considering what was important to me about this wedding and getting married in general, I realized that representing that growth, love, and support in some way was something I really cared about.
As a visual representation of that influence, I’m asking you (and family members, other women, queer folks, and people of color who form the communities that have shaped me) to participate in a collaborative art project I’m calling A Line That Marks The Start. The project is simple, I would like you to embroider a flower, fruit, or other flora for me and I will attach it to my veil. This way I will have a piece of each person whose love has shaped me, standing with me on my wedding day.
You can choose any flora you want (no fauna) and embroider it in any style you’d like, or choose a small medley or arrangement of flowers. Use any colors you’d like, we are bright and colorful people and I want the wedding to reflect that. You may also embroider more than one if you feel moved to do so, just make sure each of your designs is no larger than a 4” embroidery hoop.
The project title is a line from a song called “For You” by Laura Marling. I will be walking down the aisle to this song. The full line is “Love is not the answer, but a line that marks the start.” I am thinking of my walk down the aisle as a line marking the start of my marriage but I am also thinking of each embroidery stitch as a line that marks friendship and intentionality. I am hoping that you will imbue each thread with happy memories as you embroider and help me bring all of my love with me on my big day and throughout my life. If you have any questions reach out to me via my email (clawton196@gmail.com)
My mom will be hosting a Wedding shower/embroidery party at her house in Virginia and I would be honored if you came to create some floral appliqués for my veil. You do not need to have any embroidery skills to participate, came and I will teach you any techniques you need to know. Lastly, if you do not feel comfortable embroidering, tell me what plant, flower, or fruit you would like me to embroider to represent you, but please feel welcome to still come to the party and enjoy the fellowship of creating visual art.
I will provide everything you need to complete this project including embroidery floss, needles, fabric to embroider on, stabilizer for fabric, embroidery hoop, basic embroidery lessons and tips, designs and patterns if needed, and a return envelope and postage if you are mailing it in to me. If you want to use your own supplies feel welcome.
