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

Rachel Harmeyer is a mixed media artist from Houston, Texas.

“Within my work, I explore ideas of ephemerality and eternality: my work is the means by which I come to terms with the concept of death.

“I employ a variety of materials and techniques, but whether sketched, stitched, or painted, my process is rooted in the practice of drawing. Conceptually, I draw from many sources: from the visual tradition of vanitas and memento mori to the spoken history of myths and fairy tales along with many others. More than anything else, I am inspired by the natural world and the endless cycle of birth and decay.”

We’ve featured assorted anatomically inspired artworks over the years, and it’s nice to see how Rachel is approaching the concept. The combination of textiles and paper collage evokes memory and nostalgia, while the hand embroidery itself adds a third dimension, drawing the diagrams into reality. I’m interested to see how this concept evolves.

See more of Rachel’s non stitched work at her website, or visit her etsy store to purchase one of these terrific anatomical tea towels!