Final size: 330 x 370mm

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Materials

Multiple fabrics, leather, braid, gold work, string, wire, flannel, DMC and Anchor stranded cotton, horse hair, metal buckles.

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Inspiration

I am extremely proud of my hand-stitched Cowgirl; inspired by late 1800s Dakota Sioux beadwork; it took me 4 months. I designed the floral rose motif, I created all the miniature elements, padded the figure, hand-dyed fabric and wove a replica traditional Ute blanket to accompany her.

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My Cowgirl acknowledges a period of the American West that is often romanticised, yet marked by cultural convergence, conflict and profound loss for Indigenous communities. It also honours resilient women who worked cattle, built homes, and forged independent lives within a male-dominated frontier. Through this piece, I demonstrate my dedication to hand embroidery.

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