Gwen Samuels

Reaching Inside

I take digital images of architectural structures, objects, landscapes and people. I print the images in repeat on transparent sheets and then after careful arranging, hand-stitch the pieces together to map the making.

My most recent inspiration came from thinking about, \"how we communicate.\" I wanted to expand the idea beyond words to markings, like graffiti that marks territory and lets the viewer know who was there. With this thought in mind, my awareness was heightened and I discovered these, people-made, interesting markings on the smooth bark of some trees in Culver City California.

I took many photos and the imagery was transformed when I printed in repeat pattern and hand-stitched. The shapes suggested body parts, the transparency was like an x-ray and the stitches became sutures that held it all together in this interesting context.

Gwen Samuels is a Los Angeles based artist. Originally from New York, Samuels attended Syracuse University where she earned BFA in textile design. While raising a family, she taught art and co-authored a book teaching classroom skills using the creative process.

Gwen is a full time artist maintaining a studio in Santa Monica. She is an active member of Los Angeles Art Association and is currently represented by: voila! ART FOR THE MODERN EYE.

Samuels present technique began with the purchase of some antique lace at the flea market which she printed on transparent film and began to arrange and hand-stitch. This process led to further investigation using the digital camera, creating multiple prints sewn together by hand, like patchwork quilts, forming compound images that hang unframed on the wall.