Despite how the world is changing toward a less gendered way of labelling people and their interests, some things are still firmly categorised as either women's work or men's work — the former often seen as easy or uncomplicated.
When it comes to skills such as sewing and embroidery, this is definitely the case. Despite textural art's history as a powerful medium of expression for women, it's not a widely accepted form of art. However, a wave of cool, contemporary female artists are taking matters into their own hands by using their needlework to spread inspiring messages of empowerment and awareness. Read on for four women who'll inspire you to pick up a needle, and stick it to the patriarchy.
Jess De Wahls [1]
Whether she's creating a huge piece or a tiny treasure, all of Jess's art has the same attention to detail that gives it a hyperreal feel. Her textural art takes the form of everything from intricate fauna to f*cking awesome feminist masterpieces.
Support her art: jessdewahls [2]
Hannah Hill [3]
Hannah makes huge, intricate collages inspired by subjects such as mental health, sexuality, and intersectional feminism. You may even have seen her viral masterpiece [4], which used the popular "Arthur" meme [5] to take on the sexism associated with sewing and needlework.
Support her art: everpress [6]
Valeria Molinari [7]
Valeria's powerful art surrounds the central themes of feminism, solidarity, and resistance. She cleverly sews around text to create negative-space, textured art with a powerful message.
Support her art: wanderingthreadshop [8]
Sophie King [9]
What Sophie King can do with a simple stitch is pretty amazing. This artist uses her skills to create relatable art that explores themes of female empowerment.
Support her art: kingsophiesworld [10]