There’s pure magic coming out of Firecracker Studio, the home of Wellington, New Zealand multimedia artist Katherine Bertram. Formally trained as a printmaker in Sydney, Australia, Bertram creates incredible works of art using freehand machine embroidery, skillfully placing thread to create uniquely captivating images — like this striking fabric-collaged portrait of her daughter, complete with blue crown. THOSE EYES.
Bertram’s stitching creates texture and nuance out of stark black and white, in a manner that echoes engraving or linocut prints.
Her work’s not only at home on gallery walls — Firecracker Studio sells embroidered items like these bird purses and cushions, for usable Textile art that brings a bit of that magic to everyday life.
Captivated by Bertram’s unique style? See more of her portraits, creatures, cityscapes, and fabric collage pieces!
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Gear Threads is brought to you from the offbeat gals at Urban Threads. Created by illustrator Niamh O’Connor, Urban Threads is revolutionizing machine embroidery one edgy, elegant, innovative, and/or offbeat design at a time. Discover the future of digital stitchery at www.urbanthreads.com.