More Than Material Art Show Virtual Tour

"Forwards" by Lydia Larsen
Embroidery On Fabric

Artist Statement

My name is Lydia Larsen. I am a 10th-grade homeschooler, and this spring was my sixth session of PV. As usual, it was different from every previous session. My piece, Forwards, is a needlepoint portrait of myself from behind. I made it using fabric, about twelve different embroidery thread colors, and countless hours of tedious work.

I choose embroidery as my medium this session because it is a medium I have worked with a little before but never in-depth. Embroidery also appealed to me because it is a project that is very portable.

This spring session did not go as I had expected. I had anticipated spending almost every Tuesday night with all the beautiful people at YFC, but instead, I had to stay at home with the Rona.

The meaning of my piece has evolved throughout this session. At first, I was not sure what the deeper meaning of the image I chose was. Eventually, the piece I embroidered came to symbolize looking towards the future. This spring, I had plans that I wanted to do, but covid took those plans away. I have been learning to look forward to the future with the knowledge that God is the one who truly controls the plans for my life, and his way is always better.

I am very thankful for the zoom meetings that helped keep me connected to the people at Portable Vision when I couldn’t be there; and for Matt, who would always check in on me and whoever else was on zoom that night. I am thankful for life stories that help show me the deepness behind every person. And I am thankful for God, who is always in control.

Oral Statement