Botanical Embroidery Series with Arounna Khounnoraj

Flowering plants, conifers, and fungi are the heroes of this class, which offers an exploration of plant structures through embroidery. The beauty and wonder of flora and fauna have inspired embroidery motifs for thousands of years. From scientifically precise depictions of plant specimens to abstract motifs that delight in shape and color, embroiderers have long interpreted nature to embellish their artworks. Humans understand that plants and fungi offer medicinal and spiritual potential, and have carefully cultivated plants and plant knowledge that enhance wellbeing. Each plant, from the common “weed” to a specimen tree, awaits discovery; and plants can be transformed into teas or tinctures, rendered into dye or stitched design.

This botanical embroidery course explores the intersection of art, science, and folklore. Join famed author and artist Arounna Khounnoraj, along with herbalist and professor Katherine Elmer and lecturing mycologist Ari Rockland-Miller, for a three part workshop designed to elevate our stitching through a deep investigation into plant structure and potentials. Express your newly discovered knowledge in thread, elaborating an original abstract botanical design by Arounna with your own stitches.

Students will learn 19 stitches, including stem stitch, picot, eyelet, and turkey work. When your artwork is complete, you will know your subjects deeply.