Lesia Sochor
New Work 2026
Protection Series
A thimble is a small pitted cap worn over the fingertip as protection while pushing a needle through cloth or leather. Objects generally intrigue me on several layers; their intended use, their symbolism and use as metaphors. It is the latter in which I engage the thimble as a talisman, a symbol of protection, of strength and constancy.
Individual hand gestures and what can be communicated served as windows into the world of ASL, American Sign Language. I began to use the alphabet to
spell out words; Love, Hope, Family, Protect.
Protection Series
A thimble is a small pitted cap worn over the fingertip as protection while pushing a needle through cloth or leather. Objects generally intrigue me on several layers; their intended use, their symbolism and use as metaphors. It is the latter in which I engage the thimble as a talisman, a symbol of protection, of strength and constancy.
Individual hand gestures and what can be communicated served as windows into the world of ASL, American Sign Language. I began to use the alphabet to
spell out words; Love, Hope, Family, Protect.
Click on images for larger views and descriptions.
"Family" charcoal and colored pencil 10" x 36". $1,600
"Hope" charcoal and colored pencil 10" x 28" $1,100
"Protect" charcoal and colored pencil 10" x 38" $1,900
click images above for larger views
"Butterfly" charcoal and colored pencil 22" x 26" $950
"Preening" oil on collaged sewing paper on canvas. 48" x 24". $4,200
"Bridal" oil on collaged sewing paper on canvas 48" x 24" $4,200
"Rhapsody in Yellow" oil on collaged sewing paper on canvas 48" x 24" $4,200 sold
"Leopardess" oil on collaged sewing paper on canvas 46" x 34" $4,000
"Valentine" oil on sewing paper on canvas 27" x 19" $900
"Coral Colored Thread" oil on canvas 32" x 28" $3,800
"The Common Thread" oil on canvas 32" x 28". $3,800
ABOUT THE WORK
Several series have evolved over the past dozen years united by the common theme of sewing, women and fashion.
Wooden spools found in drawer, sparked an exploration of paintings depicting images of spools, thread and needles, icons of tactile process, meaningful purpose and ardent labor. I was struck by how sewing connected me to my female ancestors. At one time, a needle was a woman's most prized possession. In a broader sense, thread connects us both literally and metaphorically to the larger global family, crossing all cultural borders. We all share a common thread.
The paintings evolved into the 'Bodice' series, which reference women's fashions and garment forms. Thoughts of my mother's beautifully handcrafted clothing and process guided me to paint on vintage sewing pattern papers. By applying oils in thin layers, a translucence evoked fabric and form. Not only do the images comment on the beauty, power and art of fashion, but also comment on style and trend, fast fashion, and it's reduction in detail, craftsmanship and quality.
As the work unfolded and developed, my approach became more conceptual in content. Bodices morphed into mannequins. The mannequin images expand on the technique of the bodice paintings by adding a collage element, namely cutting and re-arranging the pattern paper to emphasize the intent of each piece. Issues I am addressing to start a conversation about are image, beauty,, couture, sexuality, identity, and where our cloths are made.
...And the thread continues to celebrate the female form in the series 'Body Language'. Each painting tells a story. They disclose personas and attitudes through the postured disposition of the figures. From the ordinary to the flamboyant, the clothes we wear can define or reinvent us. They can reveal or conceal our origins, occupation, social class, politics, genders, and personal beliefs.