Needle and thread stitching up a wound, artwork

Hand-drawn illustration using ink and watercolour on paper. 'Stitched up' depicts a needle and thread sewing up a bleeding wound. Following hip-replacement surgery, the artist recorded her experiences and emotions during her post-operative recovery. Knowing that stitching will be required after any surgical operation, the patient hopes that it will be neat and only produce minimal scarring. The stitches symbolise the invasive procedure that has gone before.