Nanci Tangeman

As a writer, I spent my career telling stories. I don’t know why I was surprised when stories crept into my stitchery. Now it’s the center of most of my artwork. Often the stories come from forgotten family photographs. Handstitching takes time, but it’s time spent with people, memories and stories that might otherwise have been lost.

Most of the time I’m stitching on vintage or upcycled fabric. From the first stitch, the piece has history. A linen tablecloth holds the memories (and stains) of dinners and celebration. A cotton pillowcase was the place someone tossed, turned and dreamed. An embellished handkerchief was where…

Stitch by stitch, I add my interpretations to works of art by the women (mostly) who came before me. The cross-stitchers. The seamstresses and lacemakers. The embroiderers. I hope they appreciate the respect and awe I have for their meticulous skills.

I’m mostly self-taught in my textile art, with the privilege of attending generous and informative workshops. I’ve lived and worked in the United States, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. I now live and play in Sunriver, Oregon with my husband, Chris Blumenthal.