Today we’d like to introduce you to Marjorie Forte.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marjorie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My grandmother, Jenny, taught me to love the needle and thread by buying me my first stamped cross stitch pattern for my 6th birthday. It was a copy of an early American sampler whose letters spelled out “The way to a friend’s house is never long”.. When finished, it hung in my mother’s house until the day she died. In my work, I have used the embroidery technique of cross stitch in various shades of gray embroidery floss as my sole medium.
In my series “Agnes” and “Joseph” I am tipping my hat to Agnes Martin and Joseph Albers. “Thank You For Your Service” originated during a reunion of my husband’s Marine Corps officer training class when the wives of his fellow classmates spoke of the hurt their loved one suffered when they returned home from Vietnam and were called names and spat upon. Those wounds, they all agreed, never healed.
While waiting to boaard our flight home from San Francisco, I heard the announcer calling those on active duty to the head of the line, ending with “Thank you for your service”. This series is my tribute to those who served during the Vietnam War and were never thanked.
Has it been a smooth road?
The hardest thing for an artist is to take the many rejections that are thrown at you. It is very difficult to keep believing in your work when others dismiss what you are doing.
Because I use alternative materials (embroidery floss) I do not fit into any particular niche and that makes the road rough. But when recognition comes your way it is worth all the pain. I have been very lucky to have had enough acceptance and recognition to keep me on the road and to keep my belief in myself, and my art, strong.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Marjorie Forte, artist – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My studio is at Brickbottom Artist’s Building, 1 Fitchburg St., Somerville, MA.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the Boston/Cambridge area. There is so much art, theater, and music to enjoy. One could find a concert or lecture or play to attend almost any night of the week. Boston is a true walking city and is small enough to feel like a big village. I cannot imagine living any other place.
Contact Info:
- Website: marjorieforte.net
- Phone: 617-547-8310
- Email: marjorieforte@hotmail.com
Image Credit:
William Howcroft
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
