Category Archives: Mixed Media

Bella May Leonard

June 28, 2017 12:03 AM \

Bella May Leonard is a mixed media visual artist working with hand embroidery processes and patterns. The UK-based artist creates these ‘sculptural embroidery’ using a variety of items including tape, inner tubing, electrical cables, washing lines, wool and cable ties on punched acrylic sheets. On an interview with Textile Artist she says this about textile art and her chosen medium:

“The sculptural aspect of textile art for me is intriguing; three-dimensional, interweaving threads that build up structure with colour and texture is exciting. Textiles are loaded with history and can communicate to a universal audience, making textile art, to me, very accessible. While it demonstrates considerable thought and consideration even if intuitive, it is an art form realised physically; its tactile nature is captivating.”

“I elaborate on hand embroidery techniques, responding to the materials I choose and collect. I enjoy battling with colour and would describe my process as a collaging technique. Making decisions with colour combinations, scale and shape are made intuitively as I work until I feel a piece is resolved and balanced. I really like using materials that have connotations of previous use, so my process feels resourceful and the work is unique in its experimentation.”

You can follow the artist on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Images: Courtesy of Bella May Leonard.

Posted in: Embroidery, Installation/Display, Mixed Media

Matt W. Moore

June 2, 2017 12:03 AM \

Visual artist Matt W. Moore stepped away from his vibrant geometric paintings and street art to create these impressive organic mandalas. This ‘Mosaic Mandala Series’ was created with found natural elements and skillfully arranged into fascinating geometric designs. On his website he explains the project as follows:

“Having spent most of my recent years in cities, and many of my recent months indoors during the wintertime painting on canvas and paper, I decided it was a good play to take full advantage of the sunshine and wilderness and develop a series that would allow me to explore the beauty of Utah, create work with my hands, and celebrate the native color palette of the landscape.”

“This series of mosaic mandalas was created entirely with elements foraged on the mountain and in the valley : River pebbles and stones, shale, red rocks from the high elevations, dead branches from aspen trees, bark from evergreens, cattails from the lake’s edge, dried wild grasses from yesteryear, and cut dead branches exposing the rings of the tree’s life. Everything was right there for me, all I had to do was notice it’s potential.”

You can see more of his work on his website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Images: Courtesy of Matt W. Moore.

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Posted in: Collage, Installation/Display, Mixed Media, Wood \ Tagged: , ,

Ali Ferguson

February 20, 2017 12:03 AM \

Admiring these wooden samplers created by UK-based textile artist, Ali Ferguson.
The unique samplers are inspired by “stories from the sewing box”. A huge fan of junk shops and markets she creates the patterns using vintage fabrics, hand embroidered table linens, lace and a variety of found materials. On an interview with Textile Artist she says this about her work:

“Although I would describe myself as a textile artist, I work with a variety of materials. I always incorporate hand stitch into my pieces and I think, for me, this is one of the most important elements. There is something very personal about making your own mark with needle and thread.”


“My choice of materials is influenced by my theme. For example a couple of years ago I was part of an exhibiting group who were working towards an exhibition entitled “Environment”. I chose to explore this by working with driftwood and exploring how I could stitch into it, stitch pieces of wood together and transfer photographic images onto it. This was the start of my “Environmentals” series of driftwood pieces. I am currently back working with wood as I am just starting a series of “Patchwood Quilts” or samplers made from bed slats. This is exciting me greatly and I have loads of further developments buzzing around my head at the moment.”

“As to techniques – let’s just say that these current pieces involve a great deal of drilling!”

You can view more of her work on her website, Facebook and Instagram.

Images: Courtesy of Ali Ferguson.

Posted in: Collage, Handcrafted, Mixed Media, Textile, Wood
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