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Intricate Embroideries Depict Fine Details of the Eye

Embroidery artist Sam P. Gibson uses thread to create a detailed, up-close look at the human eye. Equipped with black floss, she hand stitches the iris, eyelid, and eyelashes, capturing it all with delicate, thin lines. This style gives her work the appearance of an ink drawing.

To begin these intricate creations, Gibson first draws the design with pencil on her fabric. She then begins the process of carefully going over every line using basic embroidery techniques. Sometimes, she'll gather the stitches close together or on top of each other to form dense, solid shapes; it's perfect for depicting the pupil or eyelashes.

Every piece is framed with a wooden embroidery hoop. If you'd like to own one of Gibson's works, be sure to check out her Etsy shop. She features eyes, as well as other body parts like skulls and brains.

Sam P. Gibson Etsy and Flickr
via [Colossal]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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