Altering Nature with a romantic mind by Joana Vasconcelos and Hillary Fayle (photocredits; courtesy of the artists)Hillary Fayle; ” I began stitching on unconventional materials when I was studying embroidery at the Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, England. I began with using found materials and fabric and transgressed to leaves upon my return to America. I generally try to use renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for my art, so this was an obvious choice. These are leaves that I coat in a non-toxic preservative to protect them and make them slightly more resistant to tearing. I then stitch into them using a mix of traditional and original embroidery patterns and techniques. Upon finishing, they are framed accordingly. Although some of these are currently hanging in galleries, or part of private collections, I am happy to make custom pieces”
Written by Mateus Andrade (via Trendland)
Celebrated Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos showcases the beauty of handicraft techniques from her home country in the Bestiary series. Known for her show-stopping interventions and gravity defying pieces, Vasconcelos focuses on smaller scale as well. Manipulating animals made in earthenware pottery from 19th Century artisan Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro; each over-sized creature is carefully covered, or better yet, protected with extraordinary crochet lace from the Azores region.
Joana was the first woman and youngest contemporary artist to ever exhibit in Versailles Palace, such a relevant and strong statement of her skill and sophistication is easily recognizable in her body of work.