4 3/4 × 4 3/4 inches framed
Cotton embroidery
2025
14 ct Aida cloth
400 stitches
2.5 hours of labour
In the Mini Loose Ends series Donen hand-stitches striations using scraps of leftover embroidery threads.
6 × 6 inches framed
Cotton embroidery
2025
14 ct Aida cloth
1,190 stitches
4 hours of labour
In the Cross-Stitch Translations series Donen transforms abstract paint studies into hand-stitched creations. Exploring pattern and colour, her pixelated images create connections between handmade and digital aesthetics through a modern approach to a traditional medium.
6 × 6 inches framed
Cotton embroidery
2025
14 ct Aida cloth
1,190 stitches
5 hours of labour
In the Cross-Stitch Translations series Donen transforms abstract paint studies into hand-stitched creations. Exploring pattern and colour, her pixelated images create connections between handmade and digital aesthetics through a modern approach to a traditional medium.
9.5 inches (artwork)
11 inches (wood hoop)
Cotton embroidery thread
Aida cloth, felt backing
42 hours of labour
2025
All portraits are one-of-a-kind, designed and hand stitched by Mallory Donen from her studio at the City Centre Artist Lodge in Vancouver, BC, Canada. No repeats, not available as a pattern.
14 x 29 inches
Cotton embroidery thread
Eri silk yarn
125 hours of labour
2024
“Eri Simulation – Failure to Compute” emerged through an experimental process of capturing natural Eri silk fibers through digital formats. By transforming digital imagery back into something handmade, Donen creates an undeniable connection between technology and nature.
The phrase “art imitates nature”, re-worded to “machine imitates nature”, was chosen as a starting point of inspiration for Donen. Her process began with collaging digital photographs and distorted scans of Eri silk yarn which were used to create a cross-stitch pattern.
“Eri Simulation” is a reference to the imitation of Eri silk using cotton thread. Cotton fails to mimic or compute nature’s true beauty. What emerges through this failure is something new, hybrid, in between, unique and beautiful in its own right; computerized and handmade all at once.
12 1/4 x 15 1/4 inches framed
Cotton embroidery
2023
14 ct Aida cloth
23,800 stitches
21 hours of labour
10 3/4 x 10 3/4 framed
Cotton embroidery
2024
14 ct Aida cloth
3,025 stitches
9.25 hours of labour
In the Static Glitch series Donen continues her exploration of computer glitches as inspiration for transforming pixels to thread. Through the laborious act of hand stitching, she attempts to control chaos by turning disruption and movement into static thread abstractions.
10 3/4 x 10 3/4 framed
Cotton embroidery
2024
14 ct Aida cloth
3,025 stitches
9.25 hours of labour
In the Static Glitch series Donen continues her exploration of computer glitches as inspiration for transforming pixels to thread. Through the laborious act of hand stitching, she attempts to control chaos by turning disruption and movement into static thread abstractions.
15 1/6 x 18 1/2 inches framed
Cotton embroidery thread
India ink & recycled paper
2024
21 x 35.5 inches framed
Cotton embroidery
2022
14 ct Aida Cloth
182 hours of labour
50,400 stitches
16 x 20 inches framed
Cotton embroidery thread
2022
14 ct Aida cloth
7,900 stitches
33.75 hours of labour
16 x 20 inches framed
Cotton embroidery thread
2022
14 ct Aida cloth
7,900 stitches
30.75 hours of labour
16 x 20 inches framed
Cotton embroidery thread
2022
14 ct Aida cloth
7,900 stitches
33.25 hours of labour
16 x 29 1/2 inches framed
Cotton embroidery
2023
11 ct Aida cloth
23,800 stitches
72 hours of labour
11 x 14 inches framed
Cotton embroidery
2023
14 ct Aida cloth
7,100 stitches
28 hours of labour
This book is a collection of images and stories which address the physical and emotional labours of women that are often overlooked. The images are sourced from handkerchiefs that were passed down from my Ama. Nine handkerchiefs were scanned, converted into cross-stitch patterns, and then stitched by hand.
The printed book is a limited edition of 50. All copies are signed, numbered, and dated.
35 x 58.5 inches
Mixed textiles, yarn, embroidery thread,
315 hours of labour
2023
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 Donen self-identifies as a textile or fibre artist, others often label her 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. Donen challenges expectations of traditional craft by experimenting with new media. She combines cross-stitching, knitting, and digital art/photography to push the boundaries and expectations of craft as a fine art medium.
Vancouver Cityscape is a mixed textile quilt that combines appliquéd fabric, crochet, cross-stitch, and free-hand embroidery.
9.5 × 9.5 inches framed
Cotton embroidery
2020
14 ct Aida cloth
35 hours of labour
8,100 stitches
Glitch Series emerged from a happy accident on Donen’s computer that produced a collection of glitch images. Donen transformed the digital images through the process of cross-stitch. The series is a collaboration between artist and computer that turns moments of failure into works of art. She embraces mistakes and imperfections as a way of pushing her creative process and endless curiosity.
Mallory Donen’s practice is focused on processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generation of women in her family. Her art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitch she creates connections between threads and pixels.
4.5 x 5ft
Acrylic on canvas
5.5 hours of labour
2013
The intent of this work was to focus on the concept of painting for the sake of painting. Realism has never been something that Donen has tried to achieve or strive for in her painting. As a kid she remembers being excited to paint since it was an art medium where she was free to experiment and have fun.
Embracing her inner child, Donen experimented with large paint brushes and plastic palette knives to apply paint to the canvas. Her only objective was to paint and express herself freely through painting and the artistic process. Painting for the sake of painting helps Donen remember why she loves art. She's an artist because it brings her joy and takes her to a place without the thoughts or concerns of the outside world. When she's creating art it is the only thing that matters in that moment.
18 × 24 inches framed
Archival inkjet print, cotton embroidery
2019
14 ct Aida cloth
22 hours of labour
4,900 stitches
Glitch Series emerged from a happy accident on Donen’s computer that produced a collection of glitch images. Donen transformed the digital images through the process of cross-stitch. The series is a collaboration between artist and computer that turns moments of failure into works of art. She embraces mistakes and imperfections as a way of pushing her creative process and endless curiosity.
Mallory Donen’s practice is focused on processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generation of women in her family. Her art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitch she creates connections between threads and pixels.
18 × 24 inches framed
Archival inkjet print, cotton embroidery
2019
14 ct Aida cloth
25 hours of labour
4,900 stitches
Glitch Series emerged from a happy accident on Donen’s computer that produced a collection of glitch images. Donen transformed the digital images through the process of cross-stitch. The series is a collaboration between artist and computer that turns moments of failure into works of art. She embraces mistakes and imperfections as a way of pushing her creative process and endless curiosity.
Mallory Donen’s practice is focused on processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generation of women in her family. Her art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitch she creates connections between threads and pixels.
18 × 24 inches framed
Archival inkjet print, cotton embroidery
2019
14 ct Aida cloth
24 hours of labour
4,900 stitches
Glitch Series emerged from a happy accident on Donen’s computer that produced a collection of glitch images. Donen transformed the digital images through the process of cross-stitch. The series is a collaboration between artist and computer that turns moments of failure into works of art. She embraces mistakes and imperfections as a way of pushing her creative process and endless curiosity.
Mallory Donen’s practice is focused on processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generation of women in her family. Her art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitch she creates connections between threads and pixels.
16 × 20 inches framed
Archival inkjet print, cotton embroidery
2017
14 ct Aida cloth
12 hours of labour
2,500 stitches
Glitch Series emerged from a happy accident on Donen’s computer that produced a collection of glitch images. Donen transformed the digital images through the process of cross-stitch. The series is a collaboration between artist and computer that turns moments of failure into works of art. She embraces mistakes and imperfections as a way of pushing her creative process and endless curiosity.
Mallory Donen’s practice is focused on processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generation of women in her family. Her art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitch she creates connections between threads and pixels.
16 × 20 inches framed
Archival inkjet print, cotton embroidery
2017
14 ct Aida cloth
12 hours of labour
2,500 stitches
Glitch Series emerged from a happy accident on Donen’s computer that produced a collection of glitch images. Donen transformed the digital images through the process of cross-stitch. The series is a collaboration between artist and computer that turns moments of failure into works of art. She embraces mistakes and imperfections as a way of pushing her creative process and endless curiosity.
Mallory Donen’s practice is focused on processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generation of women in her family. Her art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitch she creates connections between threads and pixels.
16 × 20 inches framed
Archival inkjet print, cotton embroidery
2017
14 ct Aida cloth
12 hours of labour
2,500 stitches
Glitch Series emerged from a happy accident on Donen’s computer that produced a collection of glitch images. Donen transformed the digital images through the process of cross-stitch. The series is a collaboration between artist and computer that turns moments of failure into works of art. She embraces mistakes and imperfections as a way of pushing her creative process and endless curiosity.
Mallory Donen’s practice is focused on processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generation of women in her family. Her art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitch she creates connections between threads and pixels.
16 × 20 inches framed
Archival inkjet print, cotton embroidery
2017
14 ct Aida cloth
12 hours of labour
2,500 stitches
Glitch Series emerged from a happy accident on Donen’s computer that produced a collection of glitch images. Donen transformed the digital images through the process of cross-stitch. The series is a collaboration between artist and computer that turns moments of failure into works of art. She embraces mistakes and imperfections as a way of pushing her creative process and endless curiosity.
Mallory Donen’s practice is focused on processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generation of women in her family. Her art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitch she creates connections between threads and pixels.
16 × 20 inches framed
Archival inkjet print, cotton embroidery
2017
14 ct Aida cloth
12 hours of labour
2,500 stitches
Glitch Series emerged from a happy accident on Donen’s computer that produced a collection of glitch images. Donen transformed the digital images through the process of cross-stitch. The series is a collaboration between artist and computer that turns moments of failure into works of art. She embraces mistakes and imperfections as a way of pushing her creative process and endless curiosity.
Mallory Donen’s practice is focused on processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generation of women in her family. Her art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitch she creates connections between threads and pixels.
16 × 20 inches framed
Archival inkjet print, cotton embroidery
2017
14 ct Aida cloth
12 hours of labour
2,500 stitches
Glitch Series emerged from a happy accident on Donen’s computer that produced a collection of glitch images. Donen transformed the digital images through the process of cross-stitch. The series is a collaboration between artist and computer that turns moments of failure into works of art. She embraces mistakes and imperfections as a way of pushing her creative process and endless curiosity.
Mallory Donen’s practice is focused on processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generation of women in her family. Her art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitch she creates connections between threads and pixels.
Cotton embroidery thread, silk yarn
22 x 22 inches framed
2025