The Narrative and Poetic Structure of the Stitched and Beaded Surface

 Beth’s technically so clear instructions showed us the first steps towards an interesting creative embroidery. As a new resident artist on this blog i would like to contribute on a complementary way, by making the bridge to a few outstanding examples in the contemporary art world. I know, this is something new on this blog, so I would love to hear your opinions if you’re interested in this kind of „outlooks“ at all.

I love boro embroidery which has ist origin in utilitarian mending. The repetition of this sashiko stitches give a secondary structure to the mended, pieced clothes. 

Very much in the sense of the traditional quilting stitches. In this context I’d like to point out the work of Matthew Harris. You find more of his work here. 

Matthew Harris: Crumb Cloth No. III

But embroidery/stitches doesn’t have to be secondary on a pieced surface. Contemporary artist use it in such a versatile, poetic way. Just to give you some new insights of the endless possibilities this technique has. 

I admire the works of Christine Mauersberger. Her work has deep poetic quality. For more check out her blog here.

Christine Mauersberger: Mind Map, 2011

You might be familiar with the versatile and captivating work of Emily Barletta - here,

Emily Barletta: Untitled

with the sensitive and for me extraordinarily emotional work of Erin Endicott - link,

Erin Endicott: Healing Sutra No. 7

or with the wonderful, delicate landscapes of Emily Felderman - link,

Emily Felderman: Mist

Embroidery creates a structure on the surface, which can be grafic or narrative, just by repetition and variety of a few elements. In these works the stitches are not used as embellishment but as essential, structural marks, just like a simple brick in the wall. Each one is needed and each of them is justified. This conveys a a message of necessity and also of truthfulness of the whole composition.

In addition to embroidery I would like to point out the wonderful beading art of Liza Lou - link.

Her beaded pieces have similar simplicity and refreshingly new and expressive way of using this technique.

Liza Lou: Untitled No.17

Well, as I mentioned, this is just a complementary "outlook". For me it is always fascinating to see how different artist use the same technique and interpret it on their own unique way, creating an artwork with depth. 

Thank you for reading this and please, tell us what you think.