Shorthand is an abbreviated writing system designed to increase speed and economy compared to longer forms of writing. Shorthand in stitching is similar, reducing the number of actions required to articulate concepts, and boosting brevity and efficiency.
In my artistic work, I try to maintain integrity to time, experience and memory. By introducing a tested selection of logograms (based on the frequency of themes I have encountered within my textile process), I feel that I can action work with a greater wholeness in terms of transferring remembered details and impressions through stitch.
From a simplified depiction of light meeting a camera sensor to moonlight penetrating a window, these initial symbols draw meaning from personal associations and abstract impressions devised over the past couple of months. Still a test, I'll evaluate their efficacy as I go, and while these logograms won't replace my use of conventionally written language overall, they will hopefully reinforce themes and allow me to work closer to an event or observation. In addition, this shorthand is designed in an angular manner, cutting down on the extra time required to stitch rounded edges. I will likely add more logograms as I progress.
These symbols are not intended as a code but as a key, similar to that seen in cartography. A code is designed to conceal meaning from a majority, while the translation of each of these shorthand examples is readily available and designed to aid in efficiency and consistency.
