Welcome to the Cutting (& Stitching) Edge, where we showcase people whose embroidered creativity is fresh and new!

Nike Schroeder is a Los Angeles based artist who uses free machine embroidery to explore human experience and play at the edges of abstraction and surrealism.

Nike is an art therapist, illustrator and embroidery artist currently residing in Los Angeles, California. She uses needle and thread to create stylish, dynamic pieces of art.

The works contained herein are from the Edgar Eduard Emma Herbst series. Here’s what Nike said about the works:

“This series is an homage to a dear friend of mine and is called like him: Edgar Eduard Emma Herbst. It portraits him in his honest craziness and uncompromised truthfulness.

“I found that the adaption of the chaotic way the thread finds itself to develop painting like qualities very adequate to his personal character.”

There are other images of Edgar in this series, but I love the pieces that provide variation on the same form. Not only do they provide a reflection of Nike’s technical prowess, but it’s a great way to explore expressions of an image. The use of trailing threads suggests energy and exuberance and you get a sense that Edgar is a swell guy to be around.

You can find out more about Nike on her website, but be sure to check back here next week for more of her terrific work!

What Technique Is This?

This is free machine embroidery and if you want to find out more about it, check out our dedicated post!
We’ve featured some great free machine artists on the site – here are four you might like!