Interview

• What is the Bargello embroidery technique?

  What distinguishes the Bargello technique is that in contrast to embroidery techniques like cross stitch, the stitches in Bargello are always vertical. It is down to the use of colour and the way you can group stitches together.

• How did you discover your technique?

  I was at a coffee shop and there was a book about Bargello embroidery. I have found that oftentimes with textile practices, you can teach yourself new techniques if you know other techniques. Like a musician who can play many instruments, can also easily pick up a new instrument.

• What is your mindset when you are creating?

  I am interested in how practising craft can be a conduit for transcendence. My work is repetitive and cyclical. It is a nice middle zone between having to focus very hard and then not focusing. Like meditation, it is not always relaxing and not always pleasant.

• What do you love about your work?

  I used to spend a lot of time scuba diving, which is strangely similar to my embroidery practice. Being underwater, floating in this medium, all you hear is your breath. Everything is set up for you to reach this meditative state and I have found that experience in embroidery as well.