For our CEP 818 unit on Patterning, I sought to identify existing patterns in a topic I know and love-- embroidery-- and then look for new patterns that are creative and useful. I focused on patterns of practice-- how embroidery is generally used, what it looks like, how it functions-- and found that it is usually seen in the context of clothing.
To repattern embroidery, I looked for artists and works that defy traditional expectations and abstract the very concept of embroidery. Below are just a few examples of artists who are utilizing embroidery in unique and innovative ways:
For this live demonstration at the Art Santa Fe 2018 Art Lab, Embroidery from an Archer's Eye, American fiber artist Terry Boyd used a bow and arrow to shoot yarn back and forth through a giant embroidery hoop.
One of my favorite artists, Sally Hewett, stitches 3-dimensional body parts that protrude from her embroidery hoops in unexpected and sometimes grotesque ways. She uses mixed media like padding and lycra to give the appearance of skin.
Like Hewett, Peruvian textile artist Ana Teresa Barboza's embroidery isn't confined to the embroidery hoop. In her Suspensión collection, nature scenes wildly flow from the fabric and take on movement and life of their own.
Chilean artist Jose Romussi brings photographs to life and changes their meaning with colorful embroidery. His mixed media approach to embroidery requires extra precision and care, since paper is less forgiving than fabric (which is relatively self-healing).
These artists use familiar stitches to create innovative art, representing a pattern of embroidery that is far removed from traditional garment decoration.
Sources:
Art Santa Fe 2018 art lab: Embroidery from an archer's eye (2018). Retrieved from https://www.artsantafe.com/2018/07/art-santa-fe-2018-art-lab-embroidery-from-an-archers-eye/.
Hosmer, K. (2014). Artist uses colorful embroidery to explore natural forms. Retrieved from https://mymodernmet.com/ana-teresa-barboza-embroidery-art/?context=tag-embroidery.
Yoo, A. (2012). Colorful thread breathes new life into old photos. Retrieved from https://mymodernmet.com/colorful-thread-breathes-new-life-into-old-photos/.
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