Tracey
Lawko
Juried Artist Member (JAM)
Location
Toronto ON
Canada
Region
Artist Statement
I create realistic landscapes and sculpted botanical still-life. These finely-stitched and richly-textured artworks interpret the natural world around my studio in the pastoral hills of the Niagara Escarpment. Themes of change, resilience and life cycles permeate throughout.
My process is detailed and painterly. Starting with a simple drawing, I lay out my composition in collaged fabric. I then free-motion machine stitch with a longarm sewing machine, layering 30-50 different colours of thread until the base fabrics disappear and a complex tapestry results. My still-lifes are high-relief sculptures. Each element is created individually: stitched, cut, shaped by hand, and appliqued to a stitched background. My technique combines modern tools with traditional “stumpwork” hand embroidery.
Recognized with numerous awards and solo exhibitions, my work is held in the US National Quilt Museum permanent collection and in private collections in North America and Europe.
My process is detailed and painterly. Starting with a simple drawing, I lay out my composition in collaged fabric. I then free-motion machine stitch with a longarm sewing machine, layering 30-50 different colours of thread until the base fabrics disappear and a complex tapestry results. My still-lifes are high-relief sculptures. Each element is created individually: stitched, cut, shaped by hand, and appliqued to a stitched background. My technique combines modern tools with traditional “stumpwork” hand embroidery.
Recognized with numerous awards and solo exhibitions, my work is held in the US National Quilt Museum permanent collection and in private collections in North America and Europe.
