Believe

A Goldwork Embroidery and Vyaz Calligraphy

Project Details

Year:

2024

Size:

30x42 cm

Composition:

Hand Embroidery, Mixed techniques

Tags:

Tags: 3d embroidery, Contemporary Embroidery, Creative Embroidery, Goldwork, Hand Lettering, Heritage, Home Decor, Luneville Embroidery, Needlework, wall art

Project Description

16 | 01 – These are not random numbers but significant dates: the 16th, when I stopped believing, and the 1st, when I started believing again.

It's funny how the idea for this artwork unexpectedly popped into my head. I had planned to finish my "Simple Words" series and find new ways to combine hand lettering with goldwork embroidery. However, on 01.03.24, after spending the entire day watching YouTube, I realized I believed again.

"Believe" is a deeply emotional and personal project for me, a mix of darkness and light, of what’s still to be achieved. Through its composition, I am drawing on my heritage, though its message feels more relevant than ever.

Believe

“Believe” delves into the powerful journey from darkness to light through intricate hand embroidery. This A3 piece captures the essence of hope and renewal by integrating goldwork and tambour techniques with experimental textures.

The central element is the word "Верю" (or "Believe"), rendered in contemporary vyaz hand lettering. This lettering forms a cross that pays homage to Slavic Christianity and symbolism while drawing inspiration from Byzantine cross shapes. Adorned with crystals of various sizes and shapes, the cross evokes the opulence and spiritual resonance of Byzantine art.

The color scheme of black and gold represents the duality of the darkest day contrasted with the promise of a brighter future. The cross’s bold, straight lines, combined with metal-coated textiles, mimic the surface of original Byzantine crosses, creating a rich, textured appearance.

“Believe” is not only a personal statement but also a reflection on heritage and the ongoing journey towards light and renewal. Through its intricate design and thoughtful composition, the piece explores both personal and cultural narratives, embodying the transition from darkness to light.

Believe: Vyaz Goldwork Embroidery with Slavic Symbolism

Embroidery meets Hand lettering

For the first time in my artistic practice, I decided to create a piece featuring a Cyrillic composition with the word "Верю" (Believe). An additional challenge was to shape the composition as closely as possible to that of a cross.

Contemporary Goldwork

The lettering composition is created using the goldwork embroidery technique. A combination of different threads was employed to achieve the desired complex gold color that looks different in various lighting conditions or viewing angles.

Textures and 3D effects

The key idea for the cross was to create an effect of an imperfect metal surface. For this reason, straight pieces of French wire were not used; instead, they were curved to create more organic shapes. Additionally, metallic-coated fabric was used to fill the cross background.
The background of the composition was created using the tambour embroidery technique.

Believe

30×42 cm wall panel

Believe is embroidered in contemporary Vyaz script, forming a cross at the centre of the panel. The lettering is raised using goldwork and tambour techniques over metal-coated textiles, outlined with cord, and embellished with crystals and stones. The symmetrical layout and dense textures reference the geometry and richness of Byzantine crosses.

The contrast of black and gold evokes the passage from darkness to light. Created between two personal turning points — when belief was lost, and when it returned — the work reflects a return to religious and cultural roots, using visual language drawn from faith and heritage to express that shift.