Sandra M. Sawatzky

Sewing, writing, and filmmaking are integral to Sandra Sawatzky’s life. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry,* the artist challenged herself to stitch a modern epic. Sawatzky’s Black Gold Tapestry narrates the history of humanity’s relationship with oil. To accurately tell this story of power, progress, and destruction, the artist undertook extensive research in a variety of subjects. Included were the geological and biological forces that created oil; the tools and processes (including child labor) used to extract it; and the engines and rockets that burn it. To bring the tale of oil and humanity to life, she also studied—and embroidered—5,000 years of hairstyles, architecture, flora, and fauna. Having taken over nine years to complete, the end result is staggering: a rich visual narrative of progress unfolding over 200 feet of linen and wool.

*The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth depicting the conquest of England by the Duke of Normandy in 1066 CE. It spans almost 230 feet, consists of nine panels, and is housed today in the Bayeux Museum in Bayeux, France. Sawatzky’s Black Gold Tapestry is roughly the same length and is made up of eight panels.