Retro chroma and a clutter of threads
- A self-taught embroiderer, Danielle uses threads much like paint
- She loves the process, the calm, the colour and the community built around her craft
- She creates large portraits on linen or vintage flower compositions on repurposed canvas
Danielle Clough has a diploma in art direction and graphic design. She stumbled into the medium of embroidery, and developed her own technique that is not rooted in rules. Her creative process varies from project to project, usually starting with a reference image that she photographs, alters and explores digitally. "When I feel I really know the image, I turn it into black and white and map it onto a surface," explains Danielle. From here she fills in the outlined image with thread using a variety of colours, types and thickness to build a layered image. Through her work, Danielle aims for the audience to experience a moment of joy. “Even a fleeting flutter of the heart, a slow blink, a wave of nostalgia or a passing curiosity feel like a success to me,” she says. Danielle uses vintage tennis rackets and pool table triangles as framed canvases for her works.
Interview
- How did you first discover this craft?
- While I was at college I would visit a fabric store to make plush toys for friends, drawing the details with stitches. Over time, these details became more intricate. I would ‘thread-sketch’ on scrap pieces of felt and fabric. During this time, I also took a lot of portrait photographs. Slowly, as my love for portraiture, colour and lighting grew, so did the complexity of my stitches.
- What are your sources of inspiration?
- I am most inspired by coming up with creative solutions. Whether by creating something new, working with a salvaged material or making something at a big, or even tiny scale, my excitement is wrapped up in the material, the challenge and the puzzle-solving. When it comes to visual inspiration, artists such as Riso Chan, Sari Shryack and Keita Morimoto always expand my understanding of the world around me.
- Is the environment a key consideration in your practice?
- I use a lot of upcycled material. Ι like to salvage vintage items, and use them in a creative way. I created the What a racket series by collecting thrifted jewellery for beads or framing works in wooden pool triangles. It is very important to me to be creative and resourceful before being a consumer.
- What was a memorable moment in your professional life?
- There have been amazing projects, such as working with Adobe, Nike, Adidas and Gucci, but the most memorable moments are the connections made within the craft community. I have had incredible moments, surreal meetings and coincidences around the world, and built real relationships.
Danielle Clough is a rising star: she began her career in 2016 and she started teaching in 2016
Where
Danielle Clough
