"Walk Tall" is a hand embroidered interpretation of a series of texts sent between the artist and her mother. It tells the true story of the artist (a young woman) travelling alone at night, while her mother sends messages of warning and reassurance. The ominous undertone is juxtaposed by sprawling floral framing, which becomes almost twee and mocking. The concept is inspired by 17th Century embroidery samplers, which were made by young girls to demonstrate their needlework skills. This historical reference highlights the sexist parallels that are often drawn between women, craft, domesticity, submission and 'idle' work. Stitched on a second-hand, off-white cotton placemat, the artist suggests a loss of innocence - the fabric is not new or clean. To create this piece, the artist uses a mixture of needlework and Tambour embroidery - both being overlooked artforms. Certain phrases have been beaded to draw emphasis to them, and the presence of kisses or 'x' at the end of the messages reminds us of the bond between mother and daughter and between all women, who can connect over shared experiences and traumas of womanhood. This sampler, painstakingly crafted over 60 hours, is an homage to the women who travel alone.
56.5cm x 40cm
