This article was originally created for Orts, my weekly newsletter collecting small snippets of creativity: embroiderers, textile artists, illustrators, DIY projects, and how we can make time for our creative endeavors. It’s published every Friday. Subscribe here!
How do we honor the things that we love? That was a question I sought to answer when writing my book Threads of Treasure. In it, I profiled artists who utilize found objects in their work, assigning meaning to things like leaves, animal skulls, and other items of discard.
But in writing this part of the book, I knew there were other considerations to take. What if you’re not a collector of things? Sometimes taking a souvenir isn’t an option. In that case, a photograph is a way to treasure that special something or somewhere. It can also be the catalyst for original art. Embroidery artist Shannon Moser was great to talk to for this very reason.
Creating under the name Native Sage Threads, Shannon produces hoop art inspired by some of the greatest lands—the U.S. National Parks. She works in mixed media to produce pieces that are as beautiful as they are meaningful to her.
I asked Shannon to share a bit more about her work. Hear more from her below, and check out her Instagram to see what she’s working on next.
How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it?
I stitch embroidery landscapes inspired by our national parks and public lands using thread, yarn, beads, and watercolors. These mixed media pieces are a colorful representations of the beautiful world we live in.
What is your favorite thing about your work?
My favorite thing about my work is my attention to detail. I love adding little elements to my work that people will find the longer they look at a piece, that they might not see upon first glance.
What inspires you the most?
Mountain and desert landscapes inspire me the most. I grew up in Colorado and the mountains were always a constant view I got. The desert captured my heart when my husband and I traveled there shortly after we started dating. I feel at home in these places. The way nature thrives differently in these places fascinates me.
What do you hope people take away from seeing your pieces?
I hope people are inspired by the landscapes that I stitch and will want to visit these places. The national parks play a huge in my work as well and I hope that they become fascinated by these unique places and are inspired to take trips and explore them.
What advice do you have for someone feeling intimidated by making art?
It’s okay to feel that way! It takes some time to feel out a craft or art form that you feel drawn to. I recommend going to a craft store and browsing the many different forms of art available and if something catches your attention, grab some cheap basics and play around. Kits are an easy way to start a new craft because you get all the basic supplies you need. I started embroidery with a kit I found online!
The post How an Embroiderer Honors the National Parks, One Stitch at a Time first appeared on Brown Paper Bag.