Needlework: Some Histories of Sewing the Body

Following the “threads” of suturing, we are led through diverse realms: the history of surgery; the language of sewing; plant and animal fiber production; medical archeology; amputation techniques; women’s medicine; stitching instruction and the making of samplers; gendered roles in medicine; research ethics; and so much more. Kriota Willberg shares her experiences and discoveries as the Academy Library’s Artist in Residence exploring the history of stitches and ligatures—surgical techniques that also bear relevance to art and craftsmanship.

About the Instructor

Through graphic narratives, teaching, and needlework, Academy Library artist-in-residence Kriota Willberg explores the intersection between body sciences and creative practice. Her comics are seen on online sites such as Intima, Broken Pencil, 4 PANEL, and in the anthologies Sub Cultures, Awesome ‘Possum, and the upcoming Graphic Canon. Willberg transposes medical imagery of herself and friends into needlework as a form of portraiture. She teaches anatomy for artists at a variety of institutions including the New York Academy of Medicine Library, the Center for Cartoon Studies, and the Society of Illustrators. You can see more of her work at http://kriotawelt.blogspot.com/.