Last spring, I was asked if I could create a piece of needlework for a local theatre company. The image was to be used was promotion for a play. And that’s how I ended up hand embroidering a pot leaf.
The finished panel. Harvest embroidery by HLB.
It’s not as nefarious as it sounds. Here’s the play description from PTE’s website:
All that Allan and Charlotte Duncanson want is to be able to move into their retirement condo in the city, secure in the knowledge that the farm house in which they raised their family is being looked after in their absence. That modest dream goes to pot – literally – when the nice young airline pilot to whom they rented the house turns it into a grow op. Based on true events that happened to the playwright’s parents, Harvest is an endearing depiction of a lovingly-quarrelsome couple who face adversity with wit and perseverance, ultimately rediscovering their deep and abiding love for each other. Two veteran actors are given tour-de-force opportunities as they play all the characters in this country comedy, from drug dealers to insurance executives to church ladies, reaping comedy gold.
Leaf detail. Harvest embroidery by HLB.
The designer of the poster and I e-mailed back and forth. He had plotted out a cross-stitch pattern using a computer application, but as the artist, and one more familiar with the medium, I was given some leeway to execute the design as I thought best. The central motif is embroidered rather than cross-stitched to create a better looking leaf shape. The lettering is pretty classic cross-stitch style font to give it that traditional feel.
Finished lettering detail. Harvest embroidery by HLB.
The piece itself is about 11×15″, but some of the posters used in ads and in the lobby use a blown up version of the image that’s much larger.
The poster in the lobby at PTE. Original Embroidery by Heather Lee Bea
Part of why I love working in the arts is the variety and almost random nature of my gigs. I like the challenge of applying my skills to different types of projects and this was certainly something a little different for me.
If you happen to be in Winnipeg in the next few weeks, check out the show!
Harvest runs April 3-20, 2014 at Prairie Theatre Exchange in Winnipeg.
Directed by Arne MacPherson
Set & Costumes Design: Brian Perchaluk
Lighting Design: Larry Isacoff
Original Music Composed by Greg Lowe
Assistant Director: Andraea Sartinson
Stage Manager: Michelle Lagassé
Apprentice Stage Manager: Ayden Buss
Featuring:
Tom Anniko
Megan McArton
~ Heather
