Stitched Portraits: Tove Jansson

Yesterday was my anniversary (4 years with my Talia!) and we live very similar to the Moomintrolls, although we don't have a tree in the middle of our house. Their motto - to live in peace, plant potatoes, and dream - is a good motto. Talia and I do something like that, making new traditions everyday, with our own Little My...

Tove Jansson was from Finland and created the lovable Moomintrolls back in the 1940's because the War depressed her. She wrote many books and comics about them, but my favorite was written in 1952 - a children's book called The Book anout Moomin, Mymble, and Little My. It remains fresh even today, 60 years later.

In her later years Tove wrote exclusively for adults, but her little Moomins will forever make people of all ages very happy.

Tove Jansson (with 2 Moomintrolls):

Stitched Portraits: Kristin Hersh

I've always been aware but I think a little obsession is growing.

Kristin Hersh grew up in Rhode Island and I'll always have a soft spot for local artists and musicians who are true to their craft. As a teenager in the eighties she grew a following for her band, Throwing Muses, moving on to a successful solo career in the nineties, now a mother of four and creator of CASH music (which seeks to circumvent record labels). She compiled a memoir of her formative years (Rat Girl) in 2010.

Kristin Hersh (piercing eyeballs):

Stitched Portraits: Andy Warhol

Growing up, it was Warhol who taught me what art could be. He was my window into a greater consciousness. A man made famous among the philistines due to his use of pop iconography like Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Liz Taylor. But once you peeked in deeper you saw his darkness and absurdity. Films like Empire (one still shot of the Empire State Building) and performances at Max's Kansas City (where members of his entourage would masturbate on tables) cued me into something beyond my soccer town and into a world full of outsiders.

Andy Warhol (superstar, contemplating):

Stitched Portraits: Jason Kendall

When I was in high school I saw the Amazing Royal Crowns as many times as I could. It was the kind of show that I would happily go to alone and dance my ass off. They fed me a mixture of rockabilly, punk, and country infused with a love of my hometown, Providence, RI. Their raw energy was facilitated by the group's frontman - Jason "King" Kendall - who looks like a rock star, effortlessly, and presented a kind of punk ethos that inspires me even today. He's also a gracious kind of guy. I'm glad to have shared some conversations with him.

Jason Kendall (tattoos showing):

Stitched Portraits: Barack Obama

Happy Birthday to a guy I'm happy to call my President.
Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Celebrated Author
Good Father

Barack Obama (In Leis):

Stitched Portraits: Martha Stewart

A hero to crafters everywhere, a brilliant businesswoman, and a former model. Most don't know that last fact, but as a college student studying art, European, and architectural history, Martha had a moderately successful modeling career (mostly because she was a smoking hot Martita...)

I love Martha for her consistent dedication to a high standard of craft. She gives sewing, cooking, and all other domestic activities the importance they deserve by showing that design and beauty is inherent in all of our practical arts.

Martha Stewart (young, modeling, hair swoop):

Stitched Portraits: Butch Vig

What do Nirvana's Nevermind, Smashing Pumpkins' Siamese Dream, and the band Garbage have in common? Arguably one of the greatest record producers of the 1990's.

Butch Vig (in sunglasses):

Stitched Portraits: Chuck D

Leader of Public Enemy, Chuck D is a voice for the fight against power and corruption through his rapping and writing. Plus, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is one of the greatest albums of all time. And since I chose to stitch his counterpart on March 16, it was only natural to have both in the collection.


Chuck D (headphoned in thought):