Divine Tension, 2024 – Hand Embroidered Portrait of Bette Davis

Description

Divine Tension is a one-of-a-kind piece of hand-embroidered textile art, featuring a vintage portrait of Bette Davis heat-transferred onto cotton and elevated with dramatic, hand-stitched detailing. Her glamorous red top is made from textured yarn and beaded embroidery, contrasted by a subtle color wash and gold thread earrings.

Framed in a minimalist shadow box, this piece captures the elegance and edge of vintage Hollywood while transforming the image through the language of fiber and fashion.

This work is part of an ongoing series exploring memory, performance, and identity through embroidery. Created by a Parsons School of Design instructor and fashion historian, it merges studio practice with cultural commentary.

Details:

• Title: Divine Tension
• Size: With Acid Free Mat Only- 3″x5″ $95, Shadow Box- 6″x8″ $120
• Materials: Cotton fabric, embroidery floss, textured yarn, beads
• Signed on reverse