As an embroidery artist, my work is a testament to patience, dedication, and the intimate connection between creator and creation. Each stitch is a deliberate act of expression, woven with intention and care, creating a tapestry of emotions, memories, and narratives. Working one stitch at a time, by hand, is not just a technique; it’s a philosophy. It embodies the essence of slow craftsmanship in a fast-paced world, where time is measured not in minutes, but in the rhythmic movement of needle and thread. This deliberate pace allows me to immerse myself fully in the process, to be present in each moment of creation.

My pieces often explore themes of nature, nostalgia, and the human experience. Through intricate patterns and delicate textures, I seek to evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the smallest details. Embroidery, for me, is more than just a medium; it’s a language—a silent conversation between the artist, the material, and the viewer. It speaks of tradition and innovation, of history and possibility, of the timeless artistry that transcends generations.

In a world inundated with mass-produced goods, my hand-stitched creations stand as a testament to the enduring value of craftsmanship and the power of slow art. Each piece carries not only my skill and vision but also a piece of my soul, stitched into every fiber with love and passion. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace the beauty of imperfection, to savor the journey as much as the destination, and to find solace and joy in the simple act of creation—one stitch at a time. As an embroidery artist, my work is a testament to the beauty of patience and precision, one stitch at a time. Each piece I create is a labor of love, meticulously crafted by hand with a dedication to detail that is unrivaled.

My artistic journey is deeply intertwined with the advancements of technology, particularly artificial intelligence. Through the synergy of human creativity and computational power, I harness the potential of AI to explore new realms of expression and innovation in embroidery art. AI serves as my collaborator, guiding me to new horizons of color, form, and composition. By leveraging its capabilities, I am able to push the boundaries of traditional embroidery, infusing my pieces with a modern twist while preserving the time-honored craft.

My art is a fusion of tradition and innovation, where each stitch tells a story and every thread carries a message. Through the lens of AI, I strive to create original and captivating depictions that resonate with viewers on both an aesthetic and emotional level. In a world where technology often dominates our creative landscape, I aim to show that the human touch remains irreplaceable. My embroidery art stands as a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into a world where artistry and technology intertwine to inspire and delight.

Biography:

I didn’t follow the traditional path to becoming an artist. I am a cobbler by trade with a background in shoe repair and handcrafted orthotics. I worked in the trade for 25 years and then completed my professional career in retail. Handcrafted artistry comes in many forms and has provided me with multiple pathways in work and art throughout my journey. As I approached retirement, I pondered the next steps. Always one to be working with my hands, I remembered my mother sitting in her chair knitting, cross stitching, and embroidering. She was always stitching something. Therefore, with no formal training, I picked up my needles, embroidery threads, and a stretcher at a hobby shop and started sewing. But what do I sew? I began by finding photographers who would allow me to embroider their work, and I haven’t stopped stitching since then. Each thread-paint embroidery is hand stitched on an artist’s canvas using both 1 and 2 strands of embroidery thread and can take up to 60 hours to complete.

I have neither a college degree nor any experience in advanced art or stitching classes. However, I have always had an eye for design and many experiences in my 68 years of life that inspired me to develop my artwork. I was not shy about showing my thread-paint embroidery pieces to anyone interested while I worked in retail. Most of my thread painting pieces were landscapes, trees, and coastal scenes. While working, I met the director of the board at the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, MA. She asked if I would be willing to do a thread painting of an animal for the fundraiser at the Zoo. The Red Panda was the first of what was to become a series of animals adorning the walls of the Zoo as well as other pieces used to support their fundraising efforts. This opened other forums to display my pieces, such as fishing boats for the Fisherman’s Heritage Museum in New Bedford and donations for fundraisers in support of the American Cancer Society.

Handcrafting thread-paint embroidery is a constant reminder that one can find their passion at any time in life. For me, it was at the end of a retail career and picking up a thread and needle, not knowing if anyone else besides me would ever see any of my Thread Paintings later in life. I enjoy seeing the reactions people have when they realize they are not looking at a painting and then see the stitch-by-stitch effort that went into creating the one-of-a-kind piece of art. I invite you to enjoy my Thread Paintings and encourage you to find your passion, whatever it is.

        — David Poyant