Ellen Baranowski

Shapeshifting in Life 2022 15” x 15” Linen, embroidered and Sashiko stitched with silk thread NFS ellen.baranowski@gmail.com

Moving all my life has enabled me to meet so many different people, and learn to be “ all things to all people” – as the Apostle Paul counseled.

The Shapeshifter archetype is represented in this piece as it has shifted three times.

Beginning as a botanical print that printed lightly, I added flour paste crackle over the botanicals. The paint flowed a bit bigger than I anticipated, and thus the silk flowers bloomed, rising up in joy. Loving the effect of the flowers, I added the sashiko stitching and the stamped linen napkin behind the main body. When hung for display, the napkin will float and change as the piece is passed – shifting in the wind, and adjusting to the current of the air – as I have.