Amazing Needlepointer – Raymond Dockstader
He died in earlier this year, but Raymond Dockstader was a phenominal needlepointer whose work graced many needlework exhibits at Woodlawn Plantation in the DC area.
I became more aware of his work through a recent blog post. His specialty was 3 inch square Tent Stitched pieces that were stitched and either finished as “paperweights” or assembled into larger pieces. The Washington Post, in his obituary, described the work he had in his apartment as “abstract works, usually in riotous colors; floral designs; and needlepoint that resembles poster art.” He had a clear acrylic box with 25 of the 3×3 paperweights displayed. This was shown at Woodlawn one year.
These small squares weren’t drawn out but stitched on plain canvas. The geometric and abstract floral designs often have small color changes that add life to the designs. Threads and colors were picked from his stash. He gave many of them away.
Mr. Dockstader said of his needlepoint “My interest in needlepoint is an extension of my interest in other artistic techniques, principally watercolor and oil painting,” he once explained. “I begin with a canvas, the smaller the count the better. Designs are spontaneous with no advance drafting. I prefer abstract and impressionistic designs. I am never sure what a piece will look like when finished.”
Maggie Smocks was able to buy five of the paperweights at an estate sale and has a blog post about them with wonderful pictures.
Related posts:
I went to the blog and looked at Mr. D’s needlepoint. He was a phenomenal needlepointer for sure. To think he did all he did in 3″ or less is unbelievable! Wow. I am not sure I could do it in 6″. Beauties.