Imbued with social commentary and contemporary feminist issues, Marcia Docter's work is as compelling as it is inspirational. Her influences include Pop art, Japanese kabuki theater, and the photograph and text pieces of Barbara Krueger. Her previous textiles have depicted a free-spirited Statue of Liberty, witty comic book heroines, colorful geometric structures and alien heads. Docter's current pieces are needle worked quotes based on traditional samplers. These larger works are near hieroglyphic in their simplicity, striking in color, and risky in statement.
Docter received a BFA from NYU, then studied Japanese theater and art at the University of Hawaii. Her work was recently featured in the exhibition “Pricked: Extreme Embroidery” at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.
Artist's Statement
I have always had something to say. Previously I employed comic book characters to express my ideas. Using only hand embroidery techniques, I worked my message into the thoughts of these characters using the cartoon “bubble” to spell out my observations on life, truth and justice, honor and dignity.
Recently, I began to explore a new medium using other traditional materials. My ideas have been “translated” into the “language of text”. The sewing machine, with its patterns, colored threads and textures has become the medium for this modern method of messaging. This combination of new and traditional creates an unusual way of documenting the conflicts of real life. I have only begun to explore the possibilities.
I do “this” because it is my passion. Thinking, observing and creating are my life line. Staying in touch with new methods of communicating keeps me connected to the real (young) world. Bringing my reflections to a verbal format keeps me searching for new visual ideas. It also allows me, once again, to say what needs, to me, to be said.
And yes, I still always have something to say.
Call us at (215) 247-1603
Marcia Docter
Bandit, DMC Embroidery on Irish Linen, 20.5" x 22"
Angered Him, DMC Embroidery on Irish Linen
Hawk Woman, DMC Embroidery on Irish Linen, 24.5" x 20.5"
Sometimes, DMC Embroidery on Irish Linen, 24" x 22"
