Artist Statement
Hello, my name is Avis Lashonda, and I am an artist with a forte in hand embroidery. I enjoy rendering portraits of African American women that capture a sense of power, strength, and beauty.
While working, I often find myself in a quiet space where I am able to slow down and think clearly; this is why I consider hand embroidery to be my therapy. I find myself drifting off to a place of complete stillness, only thinking of color. I also find the repetition of inserting the needle through the drum-like surface of the hoop extremely calming. I stitch as freely as possible not to overthink where the stitches are placed; by doing so, this allows the piece the freedom to grow into what it is destined to be. Each piece is extremely intricate and deeply layered in vibrant colored threads.
Follow me on Instagram @avislashonda
