Jennifer Shelton
Flag of the Overwhelmed Mother/Art Teacher, 2020
Vintage textile, hand stitched Shibori dyed indigo fabric, cotton embroidery thread
Dimensions: 26" wide x 21" long
This piece represents the accumulation of multiple stressors, the most stressful being: mothering two children during a pandemic while also being responsible for teaching over 1,000 students the wonders of Art each week. The juggling act that motherhood requires is stressful enough during a "normal" year, but during a pandemic it is as if the pressures and responsibilities are so much heavier to bear. It's as if it is impossible to avoid burnout. On the other hand, this piece also represents how I nourish my soul. I find stitching to be a meditative experience in which I am able to process all that life requires.In fact, the creation of this piece has helped me carry on.
@agape_fibers