Group Stitching Mantra

2009-present; embroidery, ultrasound; dimensions variable

Group Stitching Mantra is a score for experiencing trance, and connectedness with others through shared, independent action and vocalization.

During meditative group sessions held in cultural and clinical venues, each participant embroiders a prayer flag by focusing on mudra/movement, as they stitch their mandala/vision, while simultaneously vocalizing one word of their mantra/voice each time their needle pierces the cloth.

Twenty-five women contributed to the first Group Stitching Mantra at the Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNC-Greensboro, on August 22, 2009. The performance was commissioned by the museum as part of the exhibition, "Our Subject Is You". This documentation includes audio of the last 4.5 minutes of the 31 minute performance. Images are from the Weatherspoon performance and from a performance at the San Francisco Museum of Folk Art

The prayer flags are later exhibited with an ultrasound broadcast of the recorded chants.