Roanna Wells

Fine artist working with graphical stitch.

I came across this incredible stitch artist when researching into drawing with stitch. This is a method of drawing I want to use throughout my project and to explore further than I have before. Wells work really caught my attention and got me so excited and inspired by the art created by needle and thread. I noticed she uses traditional stitch techniques such as chain stitch and couching but has updated the concept making the work look contemporary and modern. I will be using some of these techniques in my work, stitching into both paper and fabric to experiment and develop my stitch skills.   

This couching method shown below is something I am very keen to try and use within my drawings. I want to couching coloured materials such as felt and string as well as playing around with rolled up paper and collaged images. This is how I intend to reinvent the couching technique within my work and mix contemporary imagery with traditional methods.   

I like how alone the small running stitches look delicate and faint but when packed together in a larger formation, appear much more definite and impactful.

The layering of the floating stitches is really interesting, creating depth and texture. 

Mark making

The piece below lends itself well to the architecture I have photographed, with the grid-like windows and the bold structures. Wells has however managed to make the drawing look very delicate and soft. The huge amount of tiny stitches works so effectively, creating a clear structure but at the same time appears chaotic and busy.