Finally, my newest punch needle embroidery mandala using cotton embroidery floss, commercial fabrics, and beads is complete!
All my mandala works are of my own design, several of which celebrate women by combining a portrait of an imaginary woman with a mandala-like crown. Since 2015 I have completed five such works in what I call my “Resplendence Series”, each piece measuring 20” x 20”.
In 2014 after discovering the artist Yayoi Kusama through reading an article in Art Forum, I knew I would eventually create a tribute mandala to her inspirational life of shear fortitude and incredible artistic vision. This fiber artwork is the result of that intention. Measuring 49” x 44” it is the largest punch needle I have completed to date.
The central mandala, which includes a portrait of the artist, is my interpretation of how artistic inspiration, unconventional thought processes, and creative imaginings can envelope and reach beyond the conventional. Many of the elements of this piece have been inspired by the works of Yayoi Kusama including, but not limited to the yellow with black dot “frame” surrounding her portrait.
Additional elements of the piece are made of commercial fabrics in black with white polka dots, black and white stripes, red with gold swirls, and random white specks on a black background. The striped fabric and red punch needle dots that surround the outer edges of the portrait’s black dot “frame” are covered with commercially made netting to create a special visual effect. The red and gold swirl plus white speckled on black concentric circles backing the portrait mandala add further visual interest while also helping to focus attention on the face of the artist.
Every individual colorful dimensional dot, and central portrait mandala are punch needle embroidery, edged and/or embellished with sparkling silvered and reflective glass beads. All elements of the work are beaded and stitched together by hand.
The piece took the better part of two years to complete, allowing for extensive every-day life-based circumstances and unusual lengthy interruptions.
Cynthia Malora-Sturdevant
October 2023
Second of four mandalas promised to an upcoming exhibit at the Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati. Inspired by elements of several garments in a recent exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Title? Kimono
Cynthia Malora-Sturdevant 