Lady Slipper Blue and White
“Lady Slipper Blue and White” from the Tropical Garden Series highlights traditional pearl embroidery techniques with a contemporary interpretation. This artwork features a striking stumpwork orchid at its center, set against a meticulously crafted background that demonstrates the elegance of ancient craftsmanship.
Created to showcase the original application of cord setting, this piece illustrates how traditional techniques can be adapted into modern artwork. The design emphasizes the interaction of pure white cords with pearls and beads, inviting viewers to appreciate the intricacies of pearl embroidery beyond its typical use in headpieces or church garments.
A rich mix of cotton and metal threads, along with lace and mesh for the slipper, enhances the composition’s texture. Natural pearls, sequins, and metallic cords further enrich the piece, bridging the gap between heritage and innovative artistic expression.
To Illustrate what is creative pearl embroidery
Originally, this piece was not a part project. The idea came to me after getting a few questions about what technique I’m constantly mentioning. I thought it would be nice to show the original way of ancient pearl embroidery (when pure white cord and pearls or beads meet each other) alongside with what I called “creative interpretation”.
The piece shows a variety of embroidery techniques and approaches that often can be found on traditional headpieces or clergy clothes. However, this outcome is not a canon replica. It also includes some visual and technical experiments not inherent to ancient craft.
Mixing flat and voluminous
The whole composition consists of various hand-embroidered elements: the large stumpwork orchid in the center is flanked by a range of segments made of tambour (Luneville) and needlework techniques.
Interpreting Heritage Creatively
In the composition, a range of ancient pearl embroidery techniques (including cord sitting and covering) were both presented in canon manner and slightly modified to get a more intricate surface.
Additionally, the composition includes the experiment with metal foil that applies directly to textile surface as a base for the further embroidery.
Combining materials
The orchid petals are a mix of four different cotton and metal threads. The slipper part was made of lace and mesh.
For the flat segments, there were used natural pearls and mother-of-pearl beads, plastic and glass beads, mm), sequins, rhinestones, French wire, metallic hand braided cord.
Tropical Garden Series
The project aims to represent objects from various design areas. Currently, there are interior and fashion design products.
