"The Common Thread" was inspired by reference photos taken at a local flea market. I’m a sucker for color and vintage patina, so these items really appealed to me. I’m also an avid sewist. Between each painting, I take about a week away from the easel in order to spend time sewing; nearly half of my wardrobe is handmade. I have received a lot of feedback about this piece, and almost without fail, viewers describe how it evokes fond childhood memories of seeing a mother or grandmother sew. I love how this painting brings about such warm recollections for so many people; it makes me think about how watching me sew also might be a salient memory for my own two children one day.