Abstract artist Marjorie Fedyszyn found a meditative and grounding way to heal from childhood trauma through stitching and sculpting fabric. Large, appealing forms and embroidered panels represent the results of her restorative art practice. She explains, “I use traditional craft techniques as a meditative means to discharge my emotional past. The physicality and repetitive nature found in hand-stitching brings me back to my body in a healing way.”

Voluminous sculptures grace the gallery and mimic fleshy forms that first appear naïve and playful, yet a visceral undertone evokes emotions of discomfort, shame, or disgust. Having felt no agency over her own body, Fedyszyn now processes the sexual abuse she experienced as a teen through her work and comes to a place of acceptance: “I am a survivor.”

Image Credit: Marjorie Fedyszyn, "Object of My Affection," polyester satin, sisal rope, foam, plywood, 2016, 46"x28"x9"