The ancient art of embroidery—like a thread through history—dates back to the dawn of human civilization.
For as long as clothes have existed, so have mending and sewing been needed; their techniques have changed surprisingly little. Mothers and grandmothers throughout ages, and in most cultures, have passed down the art of embroidery to daughters and granddaughters.
Today, one Spanish artist from Valencia, a coastal city along the Mediterranean, is taking this practical artform to new artistic heights: Raquel Rodrigo creates brilliant cross-stitching to adorn whitewashed buildings along rustic streets in her hometown—and beyond.
The aspiration behind her floral weaving works of art, Rodrigo says, is to “bring light to the feminine art that has dressed homes for many years and throughout the world,” namely, cross-stitch embroidery. “I wanted to capture the flowers that were embroidered on cushions, sheets, towels from houses, [and bring them onto] the street, breaking the barrier between public and private,” she told The Epoch Times….