There is an exhibit at the Textile Museum of works by Oaxacan artist Navidad Amador. Navidad studied Fine Art at the university and produced graphics and paintings. Later when she began searching for more meaning in her work, she developed a technique based on her village's elaborately embroidered clothing. Here I have one of her untitled works and close-ups of parts. These photos do not reveal the artistry, intricacy, detail and beauty of her works. 
Navidad uses the traditional chain stitch of her village but with different techniques such as different angles, combinations of threads, and combinations of colors to get shadings and depth as is achieved through painting. To do these embroidered paintings, the fabric is stretched on a large wood form then the stitching is done by hand with a hook (looks like a fine crochet hook) above the fabric and a small needle underneath.
I don't know what the materials are made of but the threads look shiny like silk.
Hi Joan,
ReplyDeleteI, too, fell in love with Navidad's art, and am lucky enough to be in the class she's teaching at the Oaxaca Textile Museum. The embroidery is done with a very fine crochet hook, on polyester satin, with polyester machine embroidery thread. It is NOT an easy stitch, and all of us in the class agree that she is not only a master stitcher, but a master artist. Thanks for you informative post!
karenc
Karen, thanks for visiting! It seems to me that this method of embroidery would require some good hand-eye coordination to get obtain good results. You are so fortunate to be learning from a master!
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