Karjalan Lanka – Karelian Embroidery Reimagined

Application summary

The heart of "Karelian Embroidery Reimagined" lies in the creation of large fine art pieces that merge traditional hand embroidery with contemporary acrylic painting. These mixed media artworks will reinterpret the symbols and motifs of Karelian embroidery, breathing new life into this cultural heritage. The project spans three years and includes a series of fine art pieces, wearable items like embroidered earrings and gowns, and a collaboration with a Finnish fashion brand. The creative process will be shared through live-streamed sessions, offering public workshops and real-time documentation to engage a global audience. The project will culminate in a comprehensive embroidery tutorial book that combines research, artwork documentation, and step-by-step tutorials to educate and inspire others about Karelian embroidery. At its core, this project seeks to explore the fusion of hand embroidery and painting in fine art, expanding the expressive potential of both mediums.