craft

October 2023 - Update

  • QR code Sign

  • New Monochrome Series/Exhibition

  • First Saturday - October 7

  • Feeling Crafty?! - Workshops

  • Fall/Holiday Schedule

The past month has been another busy one, so here’s a quick recap:

I vended at Car Free Day for the first time and had such an amazing time!

I made a new cross-stitched QR code sign (photos below).

I spent lots of time focusing on holiday production (stay tuned for Xmas cards and ornaments).

My new monochrome series is currently being shown at First Saturday Group Exhibition.

I finished writing a collaborative project proposal to the Canada Council for the Arts for a grant in 2024.

QR Code Sign

New Monochrome Series

Last Friday was the opening reception for the Monochrome group show at 1000 Parker St studios in East Vancouver, the first member’s exhibition curated by First Saturday. It was a very busy opening with lots of support for the exhibiting artists! Of course, my friend Hayley and I dressed monochromatically accordingly.

The show will run until Thanksgiving, so this weekend is your last chance to see all the works in person. Unsold works will return to my studio and be available for sale shortly there after.

Please email me directly if you’re interested in any of the works from my cross-stitch Monochrome Series.

First Saturday - October 7

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34

Pressure Point - Studio # 108

Elana Sigal - Studio # 110

Stephane Savoie - Studio # 123

Mallory Donen - Studio # 211

Denise Coles - Studio # 221

Paulo OConnor - Studio # 225

Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

Zandi Dandizette - Studio # 235

Five Cat Collective - Studio # 31

 

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6

Date: October 7, 2023

Time: 12pm-5pm


https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

Feeling Crafty?! - Workshops

If you're feeling crafty this fall and want to learn new skills (or shake the dust off of some old ones), then these fiber workshops are for you!

Fall/Holiday Schedule

Oct 7 - First Saturdays, Studio 211, City Centre Artist Lodge
Nov 4 - First Saturdays, Studio 211, City Centre Artist Lodge
Nov 5 - STA Christmas Craft Fair, 541 W Keith Rd, North Vancouver
Nov 16-19 - Studio Hours TBD
Nov 25-26 - Portobello West Holiday Market, Yaletown
Dec 2-3 -City Centre Holiday Market, City Centre Artist Lodge
Dec 7-10 - MAKIE at Make it Holiday Market, PNE Forum
Dec 16-17 - Vendor at Eastside Flea Holiday Market, 1101 Union

July 2023 - Update

  • Studio Update/Process

  • Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

  • First Saturday - July 1

  • Vancouver Mural Fest is BACKK!!! (Aug 4-13)

  • Summer Schedule

Studio Update/Process

It’s been so nice getting back into my studio rhythm this past month, I’m back in the thick of it taking on multiple projects at once, I just can’t help myself! I work better when I’m busy, it helps me stay focused and committed to larger cross-stitch works. That way I can balance my time by taking “breaks” from my big projects by stitching smaller things here and there. I’m also happy to say that because of this I have more freedom to exercise my creative muscles and experiment with other techniques/approaches I’ve been itching to try. One of the new approaches I’ve been wanting to explore is cross-stitching with bigger stitches. This means instead of one stitch per square on Aida cloth, I’m actually stitching across two squares.

My newest project Glitch Streak 04 (an addition to my Glitch Streak collection, inspired by a scan glitch) uses this new technique and will be part of an exhibition for a Pride celebration during Vancouver Mural Fest. I’m not ready to share the completed piece yet, I’m still getting it framed! But I’ll share this detail photo instead so you can see the technique that I’m talking about.

Glitch Streak 04, detail, embroidery thread, Aida cloth, 2023

Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

I had a schedule conflict with my workshop, but thankfully THIS___ gallery was so accommodating! We’ve adjusted the time to 9am-1pm. Hoping that works better and that more of you decide to sign up. This is my first in person workshop and I can’t wait to teach you how to cross-stitch. Spots are limited, so register now using the button below!

In this introductory cross-stitch workshop, artist Mallory Donen will demonstrate her step-by-step process of converting glitch images into cross-stitch patterns to make a glitch pin.

You will learn the fundamental skills of cross-stitch and pattern creation using Stitchfiddle.com.

By the end of the workshop, you will go home with your very own cross-stitched glitch pin!

Tickets are $50 (+tax) including all supplies.

First Saturday - July 1

Stop by my studio this weekend for First Saturday (12-5pm, Studio #211) and visit several other artists at the City Centre Artist Lodge (list of open studios below).

I’ve been re-organizing my studio display and have even better ways to show you all what I have to offer! You can always visit me during other studio hours (listed below) or other events in Vancouver. Or contact me directly (reply to this email) to schedule a private studio visit.

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Five Cat Collection - Studio # 31
Maxine Woogman - Studio # 32
Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34
Ilena Lee Cramer - Studio # 109
Elana Sigal - Studio # 110
Stephane Savoie - Studio # 123
Mallory Donen - Studio # 211
Denise Coles - Studio # 221
Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6

Date: July 1, 2023

Time: 12pm-5pm

https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

Vancouver Mural Fest is BACKK!!!

That’s right, you heard me! The most exciting, popular event of the summer is returning and there will be so much to check out this year! The festival takes place August 4-13, with mural tours, live music, food trucks, and of course open studios at City Centre Artist Lodge!

The main time to check out the studios at the Artist Lodge (City Centre Motor Hotel) will be during the Mt. Pleasant Street Party (Aug 10-13). But I’m also planning to have studio hours on the first weekend (Aug 4-5) of mural fest.

So if you want to take your time and have more room to explore my studio, I suggest stopping by on the first weekend! That will be the best time to get close and personal with my work! I hope you all can make it, please check out the mural fest website for more details/information.

Summer Schedule:

July 22 - Vancouver Farmer’s Market,
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 12-5pm

Aug 4 - Studio Hours
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 3-5pm

Aug 5 - First Saturday
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 12-5pm

Aug 6 - Studio Hours
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 12-5pm

Aug 10-11 - Vancouver Mural Fest/Mt. Pleasant Street Party
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 5-10pm

Aug 12-13 - Vancouver Mural Fest/Mt. Pleasant Street Party
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 2-10pm

June 2023 - Update

  • The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft

  • 2023 Pop-ups/Markets

  • Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

Last month I took some time away from the studio to recover from the tiring burnout of three solo exhibitions back-to-back since Fall 2022. A couple weeks ago I met with a client for a portrait photoshoot and I’m currently working on their cross-stitch portrait commission. I have a couple commissions being framed now, I can’t wait for my collectors pick them up so that I can share photos with you! My books are still open for commissions, so please visit the commission section of my website to learn more and reserve your spot before my spots fill up for the year!

It’s the final week of my solo exhibition, The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft, so if you haven’t been following along on social media I’m sharing photos of the installation! I’m so thankful for all the support that everyone at Artlink Contemporary Gallery provided for the installation and documentation of my second solo exhibition in the US.

The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft

This solo show challenges notions of labour, productivity, and the value of art in relation to craft and women’s work. Throughout her practice, Donen has explored the connection between the repetitive nature of women’s work and machines. Advances in technology continue to make physical human labor obsolete. In opposition to mass production Donen embraces slow repetitive processes, such as hand-stitching and knitting to bring awareness to undervalued women’s labor and traditional craft.

2023 Pop-ups/Markets

This weekend you can find me vending at the Dragon Boat BC - Vessi 500M Championship in partnership with Got Craft. My booth will be set up along the sea wall, I’ll be sharing a booth with fellow City Centre Artist Lodge tenant, Happy Nomad Candles. It’s supposed to be another beautiful weekend, so stop by for a free market featuring 20+ local artisans/businesses between 9am-5pm and watch the live Dragon Boat racing!

June 3 - Dragon Boat BC - VESSI 500 x Got Craft Market, 9-5pm, Science World, 1455 Quebec Street

2023 Schedule:

  • June 17 - VHS Market (Vintage & Handmade Society), 11-6pm, 800 West Georgia, Downtown Vancouver

  • Aug 10 - Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211, 5-10pm

  • Aug 11 - Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211, 5-10pm

  • Aug 12 - Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211, 2-10pm

  • Aug 13 - Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211, 2-10pm

  • Nov 25-26 - Portobello West Holiday Market, 10-5pm, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown (Vancouver)

Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

In this introductory cross-stitch workshop, artist Mallory Donen will demonstrate her step-by-step process of converting glitch images into cross-stitch patterns to make a glitch pin.

You will learn the fundamental skills of cross-stitch and pattern creation using Stitchfiddle.com.

By the end of the workshop, you will go home with your very own cross-stitched glitch pin!

Tickets are $50 (+tax) including all supplies.

May 2023 - Update

  • The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft

  • 2023 Pop-ups/Markets

  • Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

Last week I travelled to Fort Wayne, Indiana to install my next solo exhibition opening this week. This is my second solo show in the USA and the first time I’ve travelled outside of Canada to install my work. Overall, it was a great experience working with the gallery and I’m very happy with how the exhibition came together. I’ll be sharing more installation photos/videos on my social media in the coming weeks so be sure to follow me on Instagram (I post the most there)/Facebook.

The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft, May 4 - June 4, 2023, Artlink Contemporary Gallery, Fort Wayne, IN

The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft

This solo show challenges notions of labour, productivity, and the value of art in relation to craft and women’s work. Throughout her practice, Donen has explored the connection between the repetitive nature of women’s work and machines. Advances in technology continue to make physical human labor obsolete. In opposition to mass production Donen embraces slow repetitive processes, such as hand-stitching and knitting to bring awareness to undervalued women’s labor and traditional craft.

2023 Pop-ups/Markets

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Maxine Woogman - Studio # 32

Tracy Anne Northey – Studio #34

Niki Brown - Studio # 103

Elana Sigal - Studio # 110

Shelley Saltzman - Studio # 130

Lukas Lundberg - Studio # 208

Mallory Donen - Studio # 211

Denise Coles - Studio # 221

Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

 
Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6

Date: May 6, 2023

Time: 12pm-5pm  

https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

June 3 - Dragon Boat BC - VESSI 500 x Got Craft Market, 9-5pm, Science World, 1455 Quebec Street

2023 Schedule:

  • June 17 - VHS Market (Vintage & Handmade Society), 11-6pm, 800 West Georgia, Downtown Vancouver

  • Aug 3 - 13 - TBD Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211

  • Nov 25-26 - Portobello West Holiday Market, 10-5pm, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown (Vancouver)

Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

In this introductory cross-stitch workshop, artist Mallory Donen will demonstrate her step-by-step process of converting glitch images into cross-stitch patterns to make a glitch pin.

You will learn the fundamental skills of cross-stitch and pattern creation using Stitchfiddle.com.

By the end of the workshop, you will go home with your very own cross-stitched glitch pin!

Tickets are $50 (+tax) including all supplies.

April 2023 - Update

  • Proofs of Labour

  • No Smoking (Motel Collection)

  • Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

  • Portrait Draw - $10 entry for a chance to win a custom portrait valued at $350!

  • 2023 Pop-ups/Markets

Proofs of Labour

Proofs of Labour,⁠ 2023⁠, embroidery, Aida cloth,⁠ 24 inch hoop⁠, 74 hours of stitching, 48 hours of unstitching

I finished the final stages of unstitching all the threads from my Proofs of Labour conceptual cross-stitch project. Here’s what the Aida cloth looks like after 48 hour of unstitching. Remnants of fibres remain on the cloth and the holes are wider/stretched out from being punctured by needle and thread and finally unstitched. The labour logs and jars containing the unstitched threads will be part of the installation for an upcoming solo show in Indiana, May 4 - June 4, 2023.

Proofs of Labour,⁠ 2023⁠

Proofs of Labour,⁠ 2023⁠

No Smoking (Motel Collection)

My latest No Smoking cross-stitch series was inspired by actual signs from my studio located at the City Centre Motor Hotel and are a continuation of my Motel Collection.

Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

In this introductory cross-stitch workshop, artist Mallory Donen will demonstrate her step-by-step process of converting glitch images into cross-stitch patterns to make a glitch pin.

You will learn the fundamental skills of cross-stitch and pattern creation using Stitchfiddle.com.

By the end of the workshop, you will go home with your very own cross-stitched glitch pin!

Tickets are $50 (+tax) including all supplies.

Portrait Draw/Raffle

$10 Entry for your chance to
win a cross-stitched portrait valued at $350!

How it works: 
- Send $10 entry fee via etransfer (email: mmdonen@gmail.com)
- On April 10th, I will be drawing a lucky winner
- the winner will be asked to provide a photograph of a person/pet/item of their choosing
- I will create a custom small cross-stitch portrait (artwork approx. 3.5 x 3.5 inches)
- the winner will receive their original commission matted & framed (framed 12 x 12 inches) by May 31st

2023 Pop-ups/Markets

  • April 22-23 - Portobello West Spring Market, 10-5pm, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown (Vancouver)

  • June 3 - Dragon Boat BC - VESSI 500 x Got Craft Market, Science World, 1455 Quebec Street

  • June 17 - VHS Market (Vintage & Handmade Society), TBD, 800 West Georgia, Downtown Vancouver

  • Aug 3 - 13 - TBD Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211

  • Nov 25-26 - Portobello West Holiday Market, 10-5pm, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown (Vancouver)

March 2023 - Update

  • Solo Show - Womanmade: Crafting Architecture & the Mundane

  • Work in Progress - Proofs of Labour

  • First Saturday, March 4, 12 - 5pm

  • 2023 Pop-ups/Markets

  • Women in Art 2023

Solo Show - Womanmade: Crafting Architecture & the Mundane

I’m excited to be sharing some installation photos of my exhibition Womanmade: Crafting Architecture and the Mundane, in Michigan! This was my first time being completely hands off for the installation process and I’m very happy with how it all came together. The show will be up for another couple weeks before the work returns home at the end of March.

Work in Progress - Proofs of Labour

WIP - Proofs of Labour,⁠ 2023⁠, embroidery, Aida cloth,⁠ 24 inch hoop⁠, 74 hours of stitching

The update on my current work in progress is that I completed all 74 hours of stitching on the 24 inch embroidery hoop and I’ve moved onto the unstitching stage. While I’m unstitching all of these threads, I’m documenting all the labour and logging my hours. Then I will use the jars and labour logs for the installation of the project for a show in Indiana, starting in May. I’ve started to collect my unstitched threads into jars and I’ve been labelling them with the hours spent unstitching.

First Saturday @ City Centre Artist Lodge, Feb 4, 12-5pm

This coming Saturday, stop by to see my latest cross-stitch project of the City Centre Motor Hotel sign, which is now available as a print & a greeting card. I also have a new selection of buttons I’m excited to share. So if you want to add to your button collection you’ll need to come check them out in person!

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Maxine Woogman - Studio # 32
Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34
Niki Brown - Studio # 103
Elana Sigal - Studio # 110
Shelley Saltzman - Studio # 130
Happy Nomad Candles (Hayley) - Studio # 203
Lukas Lundberg - Studio # 208
Mallory Donen - Studio # 211
Paulo OConnor - Studio # 225

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6
Date: February 4, 2023
Time: 12pm-5pm

https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

2023 Pop-ups/Markets

  • Mar 11 + 12 - Eastside Flea Market, 11-5pm, 550 Malkin, Vancouver

  • April 22-23 - Portobello West Spring Market, 10-5pm, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown (Vancouver)

  • June 3 - Dragon Boat BC - VESSI 500 x Got Craft Market, Science World, 1455 Quebec Street

  • June 17 - VHS Market (Vintage & Handmade Society), TBD, 800 West Georgia, Downtown Vancouver

  • Aug 3 - 13 - TBD Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211

  • Nov 25-26 - Portobello West Holiday Market, 10-5pm, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown (Vancouver)

Women in Art 2023

My project Glitch Streak will be part of the Women in Art 2023 group exhibition at the Kariton Art Gallery, celebrating International Women’s Month March 2023.

Glitch Streak, 2022, embroidery, Aida cloth, 21 x 35.5 inches, 182 hours of labour

February 2023 - Update

  • Solo Show - Womanmade: Crafting Architecture & the Mundane

  • Finished Work - Vancouver Cityscape

  • Work in Progress - Proofs of Labour

  • First Saturday, Feb 4, 12 - 5pm

  • New Work - City Centre Motor Hotel Sign

  • Save the date - Eastside Flea Market, Mar 11 & 12, 11-5pm

Solo Show - Womanmade: Crafting Architecture & the Mundane, February 14 - March 18, 2023, Mount Pleasant, MI

January was a very busy month focused on wrapping up works in progress, framing and shipping artwork across the border to Michigan for my first international solo show!

My exhibition Womanmade: Crafting Architecture and the Mundane, uses feminine craft processes such as cross-stitching and crochet, as well as photography, & digital collage to represent the masculine and manmade. Photographs of architecture and other mundane industrial imagery are translated into handmade representations. The exhibition includes framed cross-stitch works, photographs, digital art prints, and a hanging textile quilt.

Gender bias within fine art diminishes the value of women’s labour. Feminine craft practices such as knitting, crochet, embroidery and other needlework are disregarded for their artistic value. And although I self-identify as a textile or fibre artist, others often label me as a craft artist. It can be difficult to be taken seriously in the field of fine art when there is an association with craft that has a lesser value than other traditionally masculine art mediums, such as painting and sculpture. I challenge expectations of traditional craft by experimenting with new media. I combine cross-stitching, knitting, and digital art/photography to push the boundaries and expectations of craft as a fine art medium.

Finished Work - Vancouver Cityscape

Vancouver Cityscape,⁠ 2023⁠, 35 x 58.5 inches,⁠ mixed textiles, yarn, embroidery thread,⁠ 315 hours of labour

I’m so happy to share photos of my completed mixed textile project! I started this back in April 2022, but at the time it was a lower priority amongst my many other projects. 315 hours of labour later and it's finally done! ⁠ ⁠

The project was a big learning experience, as I've never made a textile piece combining so many different fibre processes. It's a quilt with appliquéd fabric, crochet, cross-stitch, and free-hand embroidery. This work shipped a couple weeks to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for my solo exhibition! ⁠

Work in Progress - Proofs of Labour

For this new conceptual project, I will be logging hours of labour spent cross-stitching white thread on Aida cloth, using a 24-inch embroidery hoop. ⁠The threads used in the beginning section are the same threads that were used to cross-stitch handkerchiefs from my 2021 book project, Invisible Labour: Cross-Stitching, Feminism, & the Collective Strength of Women. ⁠ ⁠

After the cross-stitching is completed, I will proceed to unravel all of the stitching and log these hours as well. The threads, labour logs, embroidery hoop and Aida cloth used during the process will all be part of the final presentation.

⁠This process-based project will be a representation of how women often work tirelessly, only to have their labour undervalued. Overall, the exhibition will invite viewers to question the value of women’s labour, productivity, and craft.⁠ ⁠

The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labor & Craft⁠ May 4 - June 4, 2023⁠
Artlink Contemporary Gallery⁠ Fort Wayne, IN⁠

Proofs of Labour,⁠ 2023⁠, embroidery, Aida cloth,⁠ 24 inch hoop⁠

First Saturday @ City Centre Artist Lodge, Feb 4, 12-5pm

This coming Saturday, stop by to see my latest cross-stitch project of the City Centre Motor Hotel sign (see below) and a bunch of old paintings from my archives that my parents recently dropped off at the studio!

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Maxine Woogman - Studio # 32
Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34
Niki Brown - Studio # 103
Ilena Lee Cramer - Studio # 109
Elana Sigal - Studio # 110
Shelley Saltzman - Studio # 130
Happy Nomad Candles (Hayley) - Studio # 203
Lukas Lundberg - Studio # 208
Mallory Donen - Studio # 211
Paulo OConnor - Studio # 225

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6
Date: February 4, 2023
Time: 12pm-5pm

https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

New Work - City Centre Motor Hotel Sign

The above photos was taken as inspiration for my latest cross-stitch project of the City Centre Motor Hotel sign. ⁠The motel has been temporarily converted into artist studios until the building is demolished by developers. It's been home to my art studio and where I've been spending the majority of my time for the past year. ⁠I can't wait to build more memories and projects in this wonderful space and growing artist community!

City Centre Motor Hotel Sign,⁠ 2023,⁠ 7.5 x 5 inches⁠, embroidery, Aida cloth⁠, 28 hours of labour

Save the date - Eastside Flea Market, Mar 11 & 12, 11-5pm

Last but not least, the Eastside Flea Spring Market is back every weekend in March and I’ll be a first time vendor on the second weekend! Come see visit my booth on March 11 or 12 between 11-5pm. I’ll be selling prints, stickers, pins, and small cross-stitch works, something for every budget!

The Eastside Flea

The Eastside Flea is a seasonal community event taking place at Eastside Studios, 550 Malkin Ave. Each market hosts over 50 local vendors selling a diverse selection of goods from independently handmade pieces to vintage clothing, collectibles, plants, artisan eats & more!
You’ll also find 2-3 rotating food trucks parked outside, an amazing playlist, lots of seating and yummy beverages to enjoy!.

We hope to see you at the Flea soon!

June 2022 - Update

  • Grant Project Update - Becoming a Pixel (Portrait 2/5)

  • Glitch Streak (Work in Progress)

  • Vancouver Cityscape (Work in Progress)

Grant Project Update - Becoming a Pixel (Portrait 2/5)

Becoming a Pixel - Portrait 2/5, 2022, embroidery floss, Aida cloth⁠, 7 x 7 inches, 35 hours of labour

I’m excited to share the completed second portrait from my self-portrait series Becoming a Pixel. This portrait still has some likeness to my self-image, but there is clearly some loss of definition. Without seeing the first portrait from the series it is now harder to identify this as a self-portrait. I intentionally reduced the overall resolution and total pixels in the cross-stitch pattern. By producing in an image with less detail, I’ve made identification of the person in the portrait less certain.

(Detail) Becoming a Pixel - Portrait 2/5, 2022, embroidery floss, Aida cloth⁠, 7 x 7 inches

Looking at a small section of the finished piece (as shown below) it is very difficult to recognize the image as a portrait on its own.

(Detail) Becoming a Pixel - Portrait 2/5, 2022, embroidery floss, Aida cloth⁠, 7 x 7 inches

 
 

Mallory Donen acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Glitch Streak (Work in Progress)

Mallory Donen with her work in progress Glitch Streak. Photo was taken in her studio in Vancouver, BC, 2022.

I’ve also been making consistent progress on this new large-scale cross-stitch piece, Glitch Streak. I’m currently 1/3 of the way complete and it’s about 10 inches wide. When the work is finished I expect it to measure 30 inches wide. I’ve already logged in about 65 hours of labour on this project! Needless to say the further I get on this piece, the more taxing and strenuous it is getting on my body. This is precisely why I’m pacing myself slowly on this project and spending time on others that are less laborious than this one!

Vancouver Cityscape (Work in Progress)

Vancouver Cityscape (Work in progress), 2022, mixed textiles, canvas, linen, cotton, yarn, thread⁠

Somehow I managed to carve out time to work on this mixed textiles project in May. It’s been very explorative and playful seeing where this piece takes me. I’ve never attempted something quite like it before. The best way to describe it is probably a hybrid between quilting, embroidery, and textile collage. I’m using a combination of machine and hand sewing, as well as cross-stitching and free-hand embroidery. I’ll also be using yarn to add more texture and dimension. Overall, it’s definitely still a work in progress, but I’m very excited to see where this process takes me!

Becoming a Pixel

Last month I finished the first portrait from my series Becoming a Pixel so I thought it was time to share a little more about the project:

Becoming a Pixel - Portrait 1/5, 2022, embroidery floss, Aida cloth⁠, 7 x 7 inches, 36 hours of labour

My multidisciplinary practice explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery, through processes rooted in traditional craft. I’m interested in the dichotomy between fast-paced digital technologies and the time-consuming practices of cross-stitching, knitting, and other needlework. Through my laborious approach to making art, I mirror society’s obsession with technology and its ability to both connect and disconnect. My project Becoming a Pixel will be a series of cross-stitched self-portraits that visually demonstrate how digital technologies are impacting the way we view ourselves and engage in the world.

(Detail) Becoming a Pixel - Portrait 1/5, 2022, embroidery floss, Aida cloth⁠, 7 x 7 inches

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused the world to evolve and adapt more towards digitization. The most convenient way to stay connected has been through our computers and devices. On the one hand, technology has been the glue that has held us together and it is how we have been able to express our frustrations, triumphs, and hardships through this new “normal”. Digital spaces are where we now spend most of our time. This means that our existence is almost always mediated through a screen or some form of digital technology.

On the other hand, the loss of physical connection has also caused us to feel more disconnected from each other. It can be hard to feel connected to others and have meaningful interactions through digital spaces. But it can also be challenging to stay truly connected to yourself. While using technology we are constantly being bombarded with advertisements and content that often become difficult to ignore. Algorithms curate most digital content, which means we have very little control over what we are being exposed to daily. With this loss of power, we begin to lose our sense of self, and our individuality can get lost in the void of virtual space.

Becoming a Pixel - Portrait 1/5, 2022, embroidery floss, Aida cloth⁠, 7 x 7 inches, 36 hours of labour


The Becoming a Pixel series will emphasize the loss of self through virtual space, each of the five cross-stitched self-portraits will become progressively more pixelated from the previous one. The same black and white self-portrait will be used to create the cross-stitch pattern for each piece in the series. Now that the first pattern has been cross-stitched, it has been scanned and converted into a new cross-stitch pattern (which will be used for the second portrait). For each new pattern the number of pixels are reduced by fifty percent, but the number of cross-stitches in the patterns remain consistent. This will result in portraits that become increasingly devoid of detail, and increasingly devoid of my own identity. The final portrait will appear as a solid square (pixel), symbolizing loss of human identity through digital technology. 

(Detail) Becoming a Pixel - Portrait 1/5, 2022, embroidery floss, Aida cloth⁠, 7 x 7 inches