Lady Slipper Blue and White

Part of the Tropical Garden Series, “Lady Slipper Blue and White” merges ancient with modern interpretations. A centerpiece stumpwork orchid, crafted using tambour and , anchors the composition. Surrounding it, a blend of traditional and experimental elements showcases the evolution of textile artistry. Metal foil serves as a canvas for daring embroidery, while lace and mesh form the slipper's foundation. Natural pearls, sequins, and metallic cords add texture and depth. This artwork invites viewers on a journey through time and imagination, where meets creativity in a captivating display of botanical beauty.

Year
2023
Series
Tropical Garden
Size
20x30 cm
Composition
Hand embroidery, mixed techniques

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 onĀ 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.

Lady Slipper Blue and White wall panel. Tropical Garden Series. Contemporary embroidery
Lady Slipper Blue and White wall panel. Tropical Garden Series. Contemporary embroidery
Lady Slipper Blue and White wall panel. Tropical Garden Series. Contemporary embroidery
Lady Slipper Blue and White wall panel. Tropical Garden Series. Contemporary embroidery
Lady Slipper Blue and White wall panel. Tropical Garden Series. Contemporary embroidery
Lady Slipper Blue and White wall panel. Tropical Garden Series. Contemporary embroidery
Lady Slipper Blue and White wall panel. Tropical Garden Series. Contemporary embroidery
Lady Slipper Blue and White wall panel. Tropical Garden Series. Contemporary embroidery
Lady Slipper Blue and White wall panel. Tropical Garden Series. Contemporary embroidery

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.