I featured Ema in a recent issue of my embroidery newsletter. Get textile artists and embroidery pattern recommendations when you subscribe. (You’ll receive a free downloadable embroidery pattern when you do!)
Artist Ema Shin creates anatomical soft sculptures of the human heart adorned with stitches and beading. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the thread comprises both tiny veins as well as embellishments to the overall form.
The hearts are part of Ema’s series titled Hearts of Absent Women, and it’s dedicated to women who have gone unrecognized in the past. “I was born in Japan and grew up in a traditional Korean Family. My grandfather kept a treasured family tree book for 32 generations, but it only included male descendants’ names, not daughters,” she explains. “In my art, I have always tried to celebrate women and their historical handcrafts. These sculptural hearts are made from embroidery, handwoven tapestry and papier-mache to recognize and celebrate the silent behind-the-scenes domestic duties of women and represent not only her emotions but serve as offerings or amulets for her protection.”
Ema is selling archival giclee prints of these pieces, photographed by Matthew Stanton, through her website. Be sure to follow her on Instagram to see what she’s working on next.
Artist Ema Shin creates soft sculptures of anatomical hearts that are embellished with embroidery and beading.
They are part of a series called Hearts of Absent Women, and it’s dedicated to women who have gone unrecognized in the past.
The hearts are made from embroidery, handwoven tapestry, and papier-mache.
