I am Lucinda from Lucinda’s art and I’m an embroidery/textile artist from Cardiff. I create large hand embroidered framed pieces inspired by the Pembrokeshire coastline and the beaches of the Gower Peninsular. I also make smaller pieces as well, that include four inch hoops and some everyday jewellery and accessories such as hand embroidered pendants, brooches and keyrings.
I work from my home which is lovely because I am also a busy mum of three boys, who are growing fast and eating me out of house and home! We all live together with my husband, two dogs and an elderly cat.
Due to health conditions, I have had a lot of time to dedicate to my business. I have a rare muscle disease called Myasthenia Gravis and I also have Lupus. So you can imagine how tired and weak I can get sometimes. This can be problematic as my energy levels can vary dramatically and lead to slow progress of my sewing which is very frustrating at times. Embroidery can be quite soothing too, and it helps me focus my mind and inspires me to carry on creating.
I use only a few embroidery stitches. My favourite has to be the French knot, I love its versatility. I use it to describe foliage but also I use it to describe the texture of sea foam crashing with the waves or the pebbles on the shoreline. I also like to use the technique of thread painting. This is often referred to the long and short stitch and is a lovely way to blend the colours of the embroidery thread. It reminds me of painting as I have completed a degree in art and aesthetics where I painted Large abstract pieces. This embroidery technique taps into my love of painting and blending colours.
I have an exciting year ahead! I have my work in a gallery in Llanelli, who’s aim it is to support the artists they have displaying with them. Then I will be in a summer exhibition in Dale, Pembrokeshire and a Christmas craft fair at Picton Castle. So I have lots of embroidery to do!
