Odd Balls
Hand Embroidery Sculpture
The Sunday Stitch
I am slightly apprehensive about showing you these pieces today & I had to ask myself why. I'm always a bit nervous when I show a new piece of work. I have this dual dialogue going on.
I do want people to "get it," and respond but I also don't want to be anxious about what anyone else thinks. It's probably something to do with seeking validation.
A couple of recent comments come to mind about being "fearless" & "flying my freak flag." I like that, and yes I do want to do that, embrace that inner child, the one they called an "Odd Ball," in the playground.
So here we are, my series of "Odd Balls." A set of 4 elemental, stitched sculptures.
They are made from scraps from my other work. The bases are rolled up seams from jeans, the core of the "balls" are old table tennis balls and the rest is all denim & thread & I used an empty thread reel for the tube stand on "Fire."
I hope they are self explanatory. "Fire" is inspired by a volcano. "Air" is a balloon basket with a rainbow handle. Earth is from the mossy forest and water the ocean at my front door.
I am thinking of displaying them along with a couple of stitched books and a scroll, as part of a group exhibition in August.
I will need to think more about how best to display them as well as photographing them.
There you have it, today's Sunday Stitch offering. Please comment, restack or do whatever you do and hopefully I'll see you all again next week. 🙏









LOVE these! They bring to mind temari balls. Making 3D objects is a nice detour for the stitchers!
They are magnificent. As are you, Owen. From one “odd ball” to another. Cher xo