ARTIST STATEMENT
As a female artist, I’ve always been interested in art by women. Specifically, I’ve had a long interest in early American art by “amateur” female artists. I became especially inspired by early American girlhood embroidery. There is a charm about the work that really enamored me. In my art, I play with ideas of femininity and the “proper” roles of women in western society. I also draw on my interest in the work of the female surrealist artists Remedios Varo and Leonora Carrington. Using a combination old fashion prints with antique scientific prints of plants, animals and obsolete technology, I create freer and more magical versions of the historic embroideries that I love.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. I spent my whole childhood coloring and drawing and creating. I went on to earn my BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since then, I have put my hand to various media from painting, photography and filmmaking to creating shadow puppets, online interactive storytelling, and diorama boxes. Like many people, my life took a big shift during Covid. During that time, I discovered embroidery. It quickly became more than a way to pass the time, it became a passion. My whole artistic practice changed. I have dedicated myself to hand embroidery as an art form ever since.
© Connie Toebe