Excerpted from The Art of Embroidery Design © by Christi Johnson. Used with permission from Storey Publishing
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How do you create artwork that’s authentic to you? It takes time, play, and observation—among other things. (It’s hard work!) Finding your visual language does not happen overnight. That’s why having a guide towards doing so is invaluable. And it’s precisely why I was excited to check out fiber artist Christi Johnson’s newest book, The Art of Embroidery Design.
Who is this book for? I’d say this book is for everyone! If you’re yearning for a way to express yourself through embroidery—even if you say “I can’t draw,” Christi is here to guide you through it.
Photography by © Hershe Photo, Inc. Excerpted from The Art of Embroidery Design © by Christi Johnson. Used with permission from Storey Publishing
Learn how to create your own embroidery art with the help of The Art of Embroidery Design by Christi Johnson.
From the jump, Christi sets up what the book is all about. “This is not a book of patterns to be replicated,” she writes. “This is a book that invites you to be part of the process of image creation.” There are projects and prompts throughout The Art of Embroidery Design for you to try.
Divided into five chapters, each chapter builds on one another. This eases you into the creative process, no matter how unsure you feel.
Christi delves into her creative process throughout the book, starting in the first chapter. She uses a physical sketchbook to create a “depository of imagery,” and then refers to her sketchbook when creating a design. (It’s very different from me!)
The next chapter is about observing inspiration. After all, we don’t operate in a vacuum. How does traditional embroidery look in cultures throughout the world? Pieces from artists in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Thailand, China, and beyond are featured.
Photography by © Hershe Photo, Inc. Excerpted from The Art of Embroidery Design © by Christi Johnson. Used with permission from Storey Publishing
Then, there are lessons in the principles of art: color, texture, line, and composition. Each element is illustrated through embroiderers like Sarah K. Benning, Lizeanne, Elizabeth Pawle, and Tessa Perlow. The artists share, in their own words, how these principles show up in their work.
The final chapters challenge you to put it all together. Here, Christi looks at her work and walks you through the concept, supporting images, colors, and stitches that brought the piece to life. She details the decisions made. I love this peek into her artistic mind; this is easily my favorite aspect of the book.
The Art of Embroidery Design by Christi Johnson is now available. Find your copy on Bookshop.org.
Photography by © Storey Publishing. Excerpted from The Art of Embroidery Design © by Christi Johnson. Used with permission from Storey Publishing
The post How ‘The Art of Embroidery Design’ Will Help You Hone Your Creative Voice first appeared on Brown Paper Bag.
