15 Intricate Embroidery Pieces Where Nostalgia Meets Modern Pop Culture By Danielle Clough
Embroidery is often seen as a traditional craft, but Cape Town-based artist Danielle Clough has reimagined it with her intricate, bold, and imaginative designs. With a needle and vibrant threads, Clough transforms everyday objects into stunning canvases, pushing the limits of contemporary embroidery. From detailed floral patterns to lifelike portraits and abstract compositions, her work radiates a captivating blend of delicacy and intensity.
In an interview with DeMilked, Clough opened up about her artistic journey and creative process.
On starting as a full-time embroiderer: “I have been a full-time embroiderer for 9 years. In 2016 while I was living, bound by the hyphen, as a designer-photographer-waitress-vj my rackets got seen online and went ‘viral’. Within three months I hung up my apron and started my career as a crafter/artist.”
On choosing embroidery as her medium: “I never actively chose embroidery as a medium, in a way I feel like it chose me. My mom taught me to sew, and I was passionate about clothing. I briefly (very briefly) studied fashion but left it to pursue art direction and graphic design.”
On her creative process: “My process changes depending on the project, but the foundations of the work are my love for photography, colour and tangible materials. I mostly work from black-and-white references. This way I can openly explore colours, choosing intuitively, without the feeling of being ‘right or wrong’.”
On re-loving objects and upcycling: “I have an affinity towards re-loving objects such as old wooden tennis rackets, scrap metal and upcycled clothing. What a Racket and creating galaxies with orts of thread and beads in my Girl Dust series are examples of this.”
Let’s explore some of her most remarkable embroidery pieces that highlight her artistic ingenuity and technical skill.
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
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Image source: Danielle Clough
Got wisdom to pour?