Monthly Archives: January 2017

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Humayrah Bint Altaf

January 13, 2017 12:03 AM \

UK-based embroidery artist Humayrah Bint Altaf began her studies in the world of fashion but discouragement quickly brought her back to her first love, embroidery, with much of her intricate work inspired by the natural world. On Sisters Magazine she writes this about herself:

“I began embroidering at the age of 14 after seeing my grandma lovingly make crocheted gifts for friends and family,” says Humayrah. “I have fond memories of spending my school holidays in her home. The duck egg blue walls, hand-dyed silk saris that neatly lined her wardrobe, even the soft floral scent of her saris are still fresh in my mind. It was here that my heart became entwined in needlework and all things handmade.”

“I was blessed with the opportunity to study hand embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court Palace. In my two years there, I developed my skills in traditional hand embroidery techniques like goldwork and silk shading, and my love and appreciation for exquisite craftsmanship blossomed.”

You can see more of her work on Instagram and purchase a few of her designs in her Etsy shop, The Olde Sewing Room.

Images: Courtesy of Humayrah Bint Altaf

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Posted in: Embroidery, Etsy Find

Michael Grab

January 11, 2017 12:03 AM \

We saw quite a few rock sculptures on our trip through the Canadian Rockies but the pieces were never quite the magnitude of these created by Michael Grab, the master of stone balancing.  The physical ingredients of his art are rocks and gravity and the metaphysical ingredients are patience and an open mind. “Gravity Glue” is the name he has given to his stone balancing practice of which he says:

“The process boils down to contemplative vertical stone arrangement; involving patience, problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptation, slow-breathing, steady hands, and a host of other practiced skills…”

“Gravity is the only “Glue” that holds these structures in equilibrium.”

“Over the past few years of practicing rock balance, simple curiosity has evolved into therapeutic ritual, ultimately nurturing meditative presence, mental well-being, and artistry of design. Alongside the art, setting rocks into balance has also become a way of showing appreciation, offering thanksgiving, and inducing meditation. Through manipulation of gravitational threads, the ancient stones become a poetic dance of form and energy, birth and death, perfection and imperfection. they become a reflection of ourselves in a way; precariously sturdy, mysterious and fragile.”

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

Images: Courtesy of Michael Grab.

Posted in: Photography, Sculpture

Julie Sarloutte

January 9, 2017 12:02 AM \

Hard to ignore these paintings with thread created by French artist Julie Sarloutte. The graduate of the National School of Fine Arts in Paris focuses on embroidery to create these detailed pieces where the individual stitches appear to be paint strokes. Her work draws inspiration from what the world news is covering. In her own words she writes:

“In my work I mix elements of folk and everyday imagery, often violent: disasters, war, urban repression … omnipresent in the media. Reflecting the fascination of the screen, I take the time to embroider what usually happens in a split second.”

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

Images: Courtesy of Julie Sarloutte.

Posted in: Embroidery
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