Embroidery Design c. 20th century

This embroidery design, made by an anonymous artist, presents a different way of seeing and experiencing the world through the simple beauty of holly leaves. The approach to mark-making here is wonderfully direct; each stitch feels intentional, creating a texture that’s both delicate and assertive. The material aspect of the design – the feel of the thread, the way it catches the light – shapes our emotional experience. Look closely at the way the artist has built up the berries with tiny, dense stitches. It’s this kind of detail that really sings. The use of embroidery reminds me of the work of Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Both artists share an interest in the intersection of fine art and craft, and both embrace ambiguity and multiple interpretations over fixed meanings.