Children’s clothing embellished with embroidery, applique, photo transfer to cloth. Each one was imbued with meaning through ritual processes as it was created, and contains hidden objects sewn inside. 

A: Hat and soft bear: Bravery and comfort, charm against getting lost

B: Sun shirt: Radiance, charm to have your needs understood

C: Crown: Celebrating a second birthday, charm against growing pains

D: Royal vest: Celebrating a first birthday, love and protection from ancestors   

E: Blanket and soft skunk: Safety, solidarity with all mamas and babies

Special thanks to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, particularly the dedicated and brilliant staff of the Knoxville branch library, and to the Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt Initiative which supported this residency and the work displayed here. 

Photography by Madeline Bundy, 2026.