Hyperreal Marshland Embroideries by Linda Behar

 

[one_half padding=”0 10px 0 10px”]These 4 x 6 photorealistic embroideries of salt marshes are created by American artist Linda Behar. All Behar’s embroideries are based on her own photographs, which are as integral to the work as the embroidery itself. Each photograph is meticulously planned; the time of day, lighting conditions, the weather and the tides are all taken into consideration.

Once Behar has the perfect photograph, she prints it onto cotton broadcloth stiffened with contact paper. Using machine embroidery, Behar blocks in the main areas of [/one_half][one_half_last padding=”0 10px 0 10px”] colour to build up a workable thickness then builds up depth and texture with layer upon layer on hand stitching.

Behar’s intricate criss-cross stitches resemble subtle brushstrokes, catching the movement of the grass and reflections on the water. With this measured method, each tiny piece can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to complete.

Behar is also known for her quilting, 3d works and similar photorealistic embroideries of landscapes, but for me, it’s the saltmarshes displayed here that reveal a particular eeriness unique to her work. [/one_half_last]

 




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