Jacky Puzey

Embroiderer

©Jo Hounsome Photography

©Becca_Luger_Photography

©Jo Hounsome Photography

Exotic fusion embroidery

Jacky is a contemporary embroiderer and digital artisan
She works on creative projects for interiors, fashion, and artist collaborations
Travelling and hybrid cultures of the postcolonial world are prime sources of inspiration for her

When you look at the vivid embroidery of Jacky Puzey it is the idea of fusion that strikes out. Working with fusion of traditional and digital, design and art, historical and contemporary, her works embody these intersections by playing with colours, patterns and themes freely to produce spectacular visual results. Jacky is a versatile artisan. She specialises in drawing, digital embroidery, textile art pieces, couture furniture, and bespoke embroidery commissions on a large scale. Her creative approach lies in merging innovation and tradition through research and experimentation, and refining her craft skills for each of her creative pieces. Jacky holds a PhD in Fashion, Textiles, and Visual Culture from Bath Spa University and was awarded the Hand and Lock Prize for Embroidery in 2015.

Interview

©Jo Hounsome Photography

©Jo Hounsome Photography

Why have you chosen embroidery as your craft?: I am so passionate about what I do and make, I could not have chosen any other path. It became very evident, as I worked on my PhD that I would love to become a designer, maker, and artist and run my own business. Whilst I also love the research process, it is best expressed through my practice and my craft.
What do you love most about your profession?: I love to push the boundaries of embroidered artwork while using craft skills and operations to refine my process and production. Another thing I enjoy very much is the creativity and collaboration with fellow artists, designers, and clients.
When did you open your own workshop?: In the summer of 2014 when I bought my first digital embroidery machine and was part of a Crafts Council-funded residency programme called 'Objects of Desire', working on the ‘I Will Always Have You’ project about contemporary tattoo cultures. Since then my business and practice have grown and grown.
Do you have any words of advice for beginners?: Push yourself and your creativity. In this profession, you need the rigour, discipline, and ability to be creative, inventive, and work hard. Try new things, take advice, and look at how more established artists have progressed. Work for an arts organisation, you will learn invaluable skills. Exhibit as much as possible, too.

Jacky Puzey is a master artisan: she began her career in 2012 and she started teaching in 2007