Vintage Rodeo Rider 32" x 38.5"

This series draws deeply from the enduring legacy of vintage Americana, blending traditional techniques with a passion for history and materials. For this piece, I aimed to push those themes even further—exploring the compelling intersection of time, texture, and craftsmanship. It also represents a milestone for me: the first time I've incorporated a genuine vintage frame into my work, adding an authentic layer of history to the artwork.

My inspiration crystalized after years of participating in the Round Top shows, where I’m constantly immersed in a landscape of antiques and vintage textiles. Each visit sparks new ideas, but it was during a trip to a centuries-old mill—transformed into an antique market in Charlotte—that I discovered a hidden gem: a collection of vintage picture frames, each echoing stories of their own. The moment I saw them, I knew they could transform how my work communicates, offering a depth and authenticity that new frames simply can’t replicate.

The chosen frame is nothing short of extraordinary—truly one of a kind. Crafted in an era when frames were lovingly built from solid wood, it bears the patina, wear, and character of a true antique. Its textured, aged surface and meticulous craftsmanship became the perfect backdrop—prompting me to flip the usual process: I selected the frame first, then designed my artwork to harmonize with its aged beauty and rich history.

The embroidery itself was conceived on vintage linen, transformed through hand dyeing to achieve a deep, resonant patina. The scene features a vintage-inspired rodeo rider—a dynamic figure of resilience—mounted on a rearing horse, tipping her hat to the crowd. Using a mixture of rayon, wool, and vintage yarn, I stitched this intricate scene with care and purpose, blending old-world craftsmanship with contemporary storytelling.

This piece is truly one-of-a-kind—a harmonious marriage of antique materials, traditional techniques, and personal narrative, capturing the spirit of Americana in its most authentic, textured form.

Vintage Frame

2025