Gwen Samuels: Textile as Biography and Pandemic Circles
Gwen Samuels, a textile artist based on the West Coast, transforms personal history into layered fabric works. After studying Textile Design at Syracuse University and winning the Mademoiselle Magazine College Competition, she ran a needlepoint and quilting store before relocating to the West Coast in 2001 following her divorce. There she built a full-time studio practice, amassing over 23,000 photographic references. During the 2020 pandemic, she began embroidering smiling lips onto face masks after realizing her grandchildren couldn't see her smile. This led to the garment 'Lip Service' and a circle-focused series (2020-2022) exploring continuity and connection. Her technique combines hand-stitching with printed transparencies, revealing the maker's hand. She now plans a two-person exhibition with another artist.
Key facts
- Gwen Samuels studied Textile Design at Syracuse University.
- She won the Mademoiselle Magazine College Competition.
- She owned a needlepoint and quilting store.
- She relocated from East Coast to West Coast in 2001.
- She has amassed over 23,000 photographic references.
- During the pandemic she made face masks and embroidered smiling lips on them.
- She created the garment 'Lip Service' with embroidered smiling lips.
- She is planning a two-person exhibition with another artist.
Entities
Artists
- Gwen Samuels
Institutions
- Syracuse University
- Mademoiselle Magazine
- AATONAU
Locations
- East Coast
- New York City
- West Coast
Sources
- AATONAU —