Stitched Portraits: Giorgio De Chirico

(b. July 10, 1888)

The Metaphysical Painter, De Chirico was obsessed with self-portraiture. Dealing with themes of emptiness and space - his imagery was haunting and occasionally dream-like. This would explain why he so strongly influenced the Surrealists.

I always come back to his piece, Love Song from 1914.
It includes a prominently hung orange glove. I found the glove once, and i stole it:

I Stole De Chirico's Orange Glove, Ricky Katowicz, 2006 (Found orange glove, Found wood, Found nail, Found paper scrap, pencil, painter's tape)

Looking at this stupid piece every day in my studio always makes me smile.













And here, his stitched portrait - reminiscent:

Stitched Portraits: Redman

(b. Apr. 17, 1970)

In every relationship there is a Method Man and a Redman. Which are you?

Below, I've stitched mine:

Stitched Portraits: Bruce McCulloch

(b. May 12, 1961)

I can't pick a favorite Kid in the Hall, but Bruce as a lady always tickles me.

Here he is as her:

Stitched Portraits: Leo Tolstoy

(b. Sep. 9, 1828)

Last year at this time I was confused when I read that it was Tolstoy's birthday. Just 12 days earlier, Wikipedia had told me that same fact (August 28).

I thought to myself - "No way there are TWO notable Leo Tolstoys!?!"
Which is true, there aren't.

So I learned that sometimes the internet is wrong.

But today, a Russian writer gets his stitched due.
Happy 185th, Leo.

Tolstoy (White Bearded):

Stitched Portraits: Tilda Swinton

(b. Nov. 5, 1960)

Known for her sharp performances brought to stage and screen, Swinton has caught attention this year for brave acts that are outside of traditional acting roles. Recently she held up a rainbow flag outside of the Kremlin. She also created a performance piece/installation for the MOMA where she would randomly show up and sleep in a glass box.

Here is a portrait of that:

Stitched Portraits: Keith Moon

(b. Aug. 23, 1946)

Known as the crazy, English drummer from The Who, he was also the inspiration for Jim Henson's Muppet, Animal. He hit the drums hard and had a good time hitting everything else hard as well. He died too young but is forever remembered as one of the greatest drummers in the World.

(A side note: Recently, I sold the birthday portrait from August 23 [see: Letta Mbulu] and I've decided to replenish them so I always have a full year set. You will be seeing other new portraits in the weeks to come, refilling the catalog based on all the birthday portraits that have sold.)

Keith Moon (English TEETH):

On Threads and Tangents

Next month I will be giving a presentation/performance in stitching at the RISD Museum. I'm very excited about this. And here is the poster I made this weekend to prove it:

Stitched Stitchings: W&G Album Art (sneak peek)

Later this year, Wind & Ghosts (the experimental guitar duo that I am proud to be a part of) will release our first EP. And in addition to our weekly living room performances that melt my face, we have been focused on the album art for these last few months. It has been a collaboration between my daughter's paintings and my stitchings.

Because I'm so excited about it, I would like to share a small part of it with you now.

Back cover, track listing: