Woman Unbound
"Woman Unbound: A Story of Female Empowerment," explores the technique of Blackwork embroidery as a medium for portraiture.
May Day Close up, 2024
Artist Statement
This collection uses embroidery to capture lifelike, large-scale portraits of actresses and other well-known figures while creating a narrative of resilience, autonomy, and defiance. My subjects are chosen using a wide criteria such as the characters they portray or their personal convictions, most are known advocates for women's rights.
Each portrait is crafted to act as a silent judgment on societal constraints, injustices and the ongoing struggle against oppression faced by women. Weaving in intricate patterns, shading, and subtle touches of colour, I aim to bring depth and realism to each piece while challenging conventional perceptions of embroidery as merely decorative.
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This project marks the beginning of a longer-term artistic journey, where I intend to delve further into the capabilities of needlework to tell stories that resonate with today’s social issues. Supported by the RSN and ACE, I look forward to expanding this collection, using embroidery to elevate voices and provide a nuanced perspective on the status of women. My goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of portraiture in embroidery, ultimately establishing it as a medium for contemporary cultural expression and empowerment.
More about me as an Artist
I am a fine art embroidery artist specializing in the delicate balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary themes. My journey into the world of embroidery began with a three-year apprenticeship at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), where I honed my skills in classic techniques. Today, I draw inspiration from both historical embroidery practices and modern influences to push the boundaries of what needlework can achieve.
In 2023 I was honoured to receive a Developing Your Creative Practice grant (DYCP) from Arts Council England (ACE), with the invaluable support of RSN’s previous Chief Executive, Susan K. Williams. This grant gave me the space to rediscover myself as an artist after navigating the loneliness of early motherhood all while dealing with losing my mother within a very short time. It was in this space that my Blackwork portrait project truly took shape—a way to reclaim my artistic voice and tell stories that resonate deeply with me. I realise that my work, starting in my apprenticeship days has always taken on a personal form of storytelling in one way or another.
