Who is Rosie?

Drawing with thread is at the heart of Rosie Sykes’ hand embroidery practice. She is compelled by narrative, creating a web that ties together all aspects of her current process, devising a story and character for each project. This is reflected in her interest in costume, and she often uses vintage items and materials to develop a story further, adding personal touches to push boundaries.

Rosie’s process always begins with illustration. Using lines to capture the details of a subject, often exploring structure, then allowing these to translate into embroidery through repeating similar methods on fabric. This fluid method of creation is further enhanced through experimental Goldwork, as Rosie experiments with the limits of her craft, forming three dimensional embroideries to create work that can be viewed from many angles.

Technique is at the forefront of her practice, working with a mixture of Tambour, Canvas work, Raised work and Goldwork.

Every piece is filled with personality as she forms her own stories giving purpose to her embroidery stitches and driving her passion. Rosie is fascinated by concepts which push the boundaries of our current reality, fantasy elements which provide a break from the everyday. Intrigued by historical costume she sources vintage garments, found objects, and materials to develop a story further, fully fleshing out a character and furthering the embroidery.

Rosie has taken part in several live projects throughout her studies at the Royal School of Needlework, including being part of the project, ‘Fields of Everywhen’, which had embroidery scanned and brought together into a hot air balloon which was flown over Thamesmead. Gaining experience at The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, alongside working with antique costume pieces at Cosprop has given her varied experiences within costume, conservation, and textile art. She has worked as a freelancer on fashion collections for Erdem and S.S. Daley, allowing for an understanding of embroidery in difference contexts. Rosie was most fortunate to receive a bursary from the Friends of the RSN and was awarded ‘Most Promising First year’.