Stitched Portraits by Sheena Liam

Some artists prefer to look at the big picture of life, showing off grand landscapes or massive sculptures that examine the glamor and awe of our world.

Then there are people like Sheena Liam, who sees the extraordinary in the ordinary chores that we all complete each day.

Liam creates stitched portraits, many of them reflecting her life, through imitation of the subtle gestures that we all do each day to take care of ourselves.

She feels that when we can stay within the routines of life, then we communicate a specific mood through our actions instead of our words.

Her works show her braiding her hair, tying it back in a ponytail, or even getting dressed in the morning.

It is a simplistic style that shows off a brief outline of who she is, and then a three-dimensional component with her hair makes each piece pop in some way.

Each Piece Begins with a Pattern

Liam starts each piece with a visual representation of what she hopes to accomplish.

Then she stitches the outline, almost always with black thread, to show off the regular moments of life that we all encounter.

One of her most profound pieces is an image of her with her hands clasped over her face in deep emotion.

Each item is hand-sewn, including the locks and braids that are sometimes part of the final piece, allowing the work to feel as if it moves even though it comes from a static moment in time.

If you are interested in more of her work, then you can connect with Sheena Liam on Instagram right now.