Fiber Art gallery

Stop Hate

Surprised and saddened by the sudden increase in anti-Asian hate and violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, this embroidery portrays the anxiety, fear, and stress felt by Asians during that time. Hand-embroidery on linen. 

Why Perpetual Foreigners?

In the 1850s, the Chinese were racialized as an ethnic group judged never to assimilate into America -- relegated to being perpetual foreigners. During the 20th Century, Chinese and other Asians assimilated successfully as American, raised U.S.A.-born children, and in the 1960s were labeled the "model minority." Yet, 2020 COVID-19 rhetoric brought racism and violence again against the Chinese and those thought to be Chinese, becoming scapegoats for the pandemic. Hand-embroidery on cotton.

We Are Individuals, Not Stereotypes

The duality of dehumanizing Asian stereotypes -- the successful, hardworking and harmony-seeking "Model Minority" and the threatening "Yellow Peril" attributed to the Chinese in the 19th Century are two recurring stereotypes in U.S. history. Model minority is a myth that often renders Asian Americans invisible. Yellow peril scapegoat the Chinese in the U.S. repeatedly for labor and economic hardships. Hand-embroidery on linen and cotton applique.

Know Us, Not Our Race

As a Chinese American born and raised in the U.S., Debra is often identified and judged by her appearance rather than her identity as an American. The speech balloons show how our Asian faces are curiosities and trigger assumptions based on racial stereotypes instead of our individual character, actions, and personality. Hand-embroidery on linen and cotton applique.

Window by the Sea

A composition inspired by the houses in Cinque Terre, Italy that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. Hand-knit and embroidered with cotton floss. 

Seeing Dots

A modern, playful basketweave pattern with dots in the shadows of the design. Hand-knit with cotton floss.

Interconnected Purse

One embroidered triangle interconnects with another, then another influencing the shape of each one it connects with. Just as a person influences and shapes another person throughout their life.  An original one-of-a-kind constructed purse.

Hands in Gloves Purse

Outlines of Debra's hand, each embroidered to resemble a glove on this hand-knit wool purse lined with a repurposed tote bag.

Blessed Cranes Purse

Cranes symbolize longevity, good fortune, marital fidelity, and peace in East Asian cultures. Hand-knit and embroidered cotton purse lined with a re-purposed canvas tote bag.

Journey Purse

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, symbolized by graduated squares crossing the many paths we encounter. Hand-knit and embroidered wool purse lined with a re-purposed canvas tote bag.

McLennan Baby Booties

knitting pattern on Ravelry