Nicole Anastas

I rip, cut, shred, sew, pleat then sew again to create each of my canvases bit by bit. By sewing each canvas from scratch, I create an authentic piece of artwork before my painting even begins. I want the canvas itself to be a work of art.

Once the canvas is ready, I stretch it over a custom-built frame and use embroidery floss to add more stitches and accents. My canvases are often pulled apart and reassembled, leaving areas that are frayed, gritty, and scarred but also smooth, ornate, and beautiful. I paint these canvases in monochromatic colors, so the canvas itself is the center of attention. I like to think my canvases represent every one of us.

B.S. Textiles & Clothing,
The Ohio State University