>21st Century Abby

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Today, I finished my beaded portrait of Abigail Adams. Abigail was the wife of John Adams, the 2nd President of the United States of America, and mother of John Quincy Adams, the 6th.

Here is a closer look:

After I completed the beadwork, I added a wire support to the back of her face. Then, I stitched the piece to my painted canvas. Now, it really does look like a mask! One side of the face looks to be suspended in mid-air! Then, of course, I stitched a few Swarovski Crystal stars onto her hair.

The title of my piece is 21st Century Abby. Abigail is sort of a historical pop icon in my home city of Quincy. She is remembered because she was modern, bold, insightful, and her ideas were very advanced for a woman of the late 1700's. I wonder... what are Abby's hopes & dreams for American citizens today? And, what are her visions for us for tomorrow? My guess is that her ideas would be very similar to what they were 200 years ago. Even though much has changed since then, there is still so much more work to be done...

21st Century Abby. 12" x 12".

Bead embroidery on felt, collage, acrylics.

This piece is my entry for the upcoming visual arts competition, Abigail in Perspective presented by the Quincy Art Association and the Quincy Historical Society. Exhibit dates are Oct. 26, 2009 - Jan. 8, 2010 (Mon. - Fri. 10am - 4pm) at the Quincy Historical Society. Reception is on Abigail's birthday, Nov. 11 from 7-9pm... Mark your calendars! :D