Sewing and knitting are collectively called handicraft. But speaking of handicraft, don’t forget about embroidery. Recently, we see more impressive embroidery works which deserve to be called artworks or designed products.
The works in the above picture, titled “Ribbon-less Gift”, were created by the embroidery artist Naoko Takamine.
Onions, butterflies, crayons… The motifs in each palm-sized wooden frame are commodities of everyday existence in our life. Such commonplace items are depicted vibrantly by Takamine with embroidery threads as well as acrylic paints. With the exquisite balance of outline and fill, her colorful embroidery works are full of fun.
The works contain a message from Takamine.
“I have received a lot of little presents since I was a child. It’s not about special ones for my birthday or Christmas, but more ordinary things like onions in a paper sack or seashells with sand. Such a little gift without a ribbon is a bit precious and always comforts me. I will be so happy if my work can be integrated into your everyday life, not treated as the special one.”
I am just wondering… Once the embroidery depicting her daily life leaves the creator and fits into new surroundings, it may not be part of everyday life but become “art”. And, the art may create more affluent living space. What do you think?
Crafting or sewing for us is usually to make clothes or practical items such as bags and pouches. But don’t you think that the scope of your handcraft projects will widen by adding “making the art” to improve your living space?
For the site of Naoko Takamine, go to http://www.pomponet.net/
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