Heather Schulte
Stitching the Situation project, 2020-present
embroidery thread, aida cloth varies
Stitching the Situation is a grassroots, collaborative embroidered tapestry documenting experiences of COVID-19 in the US. Each case and death reported by the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Database is cross stitched in blue or red threads (respectively), and arranaged by date. Since summer 2020, more than 450 people have added stitches to the initial panels or created individual "blocks" (representing one day) that reflect a variety of perspectives and lived experiences of the pandemic. It is a creative data materialization, community healing methodology, memorial, and so much more. Anyone can share their story, make a design based on a share story, or stitch a block by signing up at www.stitchingthesituation.com
Heather Schulte
A Question of Values, 2019
Black cotton embroidery thread, "Confederate grey" aida cloth, acrylic 18 x 36 x 1"
Counted cross stitch, grey cloth that was named "confederate grey" by the seller. I made this piece to contemplate our country's history of exploitation of people as a means to become "free" of oppressors and be financially and materially independent (at least purportedly). This piece's dimensions are based on our currency's proportions, and presented as collectible paper currency would be. The font is based on that on US currency.
Heather Schulte
Abraham! Abraham!, 2024
Cotton embroidery thread, newspaper 31.5 x 21.5 x 1.25" (framed)
In an ever more polarized and digitized news stream, I created a visual binary code to bring attention to opposing poles. In lieu of ones and zeros (on and off, yes and no) I use black and white thread. I obscure reported facts by covering them with stitched coded messages. The slow and meditative act of stitching, placing deliberate marks through a delicate surface, takes attention and presence, a counterpoint to the fast-paced, constant flow of information in the impersonal and virtual context of the internet. These pieces are presented in custom made, double sided frames that hinge on the wall. Viewers may "turn the page" to view the verso.
