all sewn up

I've really been into stitched and sewn art lately, so when I discovered Lauren DiCioccio's series sewnnews and National Geographics, I was enthralled. Each piece is hand stitched with needle and thread to resemble newspaper and magazine articles, or other items/public figures of poignancy in today's society:

"My work investigates the physical/tangible beauty of commonplace mass-produced media-objects, most recently: the newspaper, magazines, office papers and writing pads, plastic bags, 35 mm slides. These media are becoming obsolete, replaced by the invisible efficiency of various technologies. In some cases, this transition is a good thing- faster transmission and distribution of information, streamlined systems, openness to user input, less waste. But a hole is left behind by the disappearance of these everyday objects. What will happen when we no longer touch information? When newsprint does not rub off onto our fingertips? When we no longer write longhand?"

via Colossal

second skins

On the hunt for new artist-crushes, I came across Max Colby, a Boston-based mixed media artist. From his website: "The stress of Max’s work is placed on external manifestations of identity construction as a highly performative act." He works in both 2D and 3D, but I find his mixed media sculpture series Skins for a Casual Day to be my favorites.

via Gladys.H

stitched

I came across these embroidered portraits by Berlin-based artist Nike Schroeder over a year ago, and just recently came across her work again. I find the delicate, gestural quality of her work to be absolutely beautiful - I love the way she uses her needlework to create these snap-shot like images, and how she highlights certain elements with a brighter color thread.

cover art

While compiling my New Year's reading list, I came across these beautifully designed book covers. Interestingly enough, the covers are embossed prints of original embroidered covers stitched by Canadian artist (now based out of Brooklyn, New York) Jillian Tamaki as a commission from the publishing house Penguin. Each one is an incredible work of art, and I hope to own one of the books soon. Purchase them from Amazon.

She is also married to Sam Weber, who I posted about a few weeks ago. Quite a talented couple.

in stitches

Using ceramic plates and cups, different fabrics, and thread, Seattle-based Vietnamese artist Diem Chau creates beautiful snapshots of figures and fleeting moments. Visit her blog for recent updates and her website to see her past works and which pieces are currently available for purchase.

dollface

From the Greek word kouklo, meaning doll, comes illustrator and sculptor Andrew Yang's Kouklitas, handmade muslin dolls with hand painted faces and dressed in couture. Though these dolls differ greatly in style from the dolls I blogged about in a previous post, but the loving way in which they are fashioned and their almost unfinished look really made me enjoy them.