The Mixed Media Embroidery of Christy Scott Arbogast
Q. How did you get started in your medium?
A. My mom always did hand embroidery and I have a love of cameras . I did solely photography but wanted more, wanted to create something with my bare hands. Well I found a piece of my moms embroidery one day and thought what would happen if I stitched through my photography, that sparked a passion that continues to be my favorite outlet.
Q. What is the biggest influence on your art?
A. Current events, space, tattoos, music, surrealism and Mother Earth.
Q. Did art play a role in your childhood? (Were you exposed to artists, did you enjoy making art).
A. Yes my mom who had this loud crazy life would quietly sit and do hand embroidery, sometimes she’s do a paint by numbers which got me into drawing and the embroidery. My dad always had a Polaroid camera on hand so that got me into photography.
Q. Who is your favorite artist?
A. Frida Kahlo is absolutely top, but I have an endless list of favs: Shepard Fairey, Nan Goldin, Van Gogh, Barbara Kruger, Mucha, and a lot if local artists ( Lissa Lyn, Tobias Studios, Stitch Gwad, Theresa Thompson, nostalgia sewing, Lady Wolly, could go on and on)
Q. How does art impact your life?
A. It has given me freedom of expression, an outlet, ability to be heard, companionship, contentment, inner peace, strength , sense of confidence and gratitude
Q. When you make your art is it planned or do you just see where it goes?
A. I’m a wing it kinda artists, I start off with an idea then it kind of comes to life as I go.
“..and she was her own muse..”
Hand embroidery on canvas. 11x14
"Tala" (Goddess of the Brightest Star)".
Embroidery & Photography on canvas. 16x20.
Series of photographs from the Fort Wayne Women’s March.
“Beautifully Nasty” hand embroidered photograph on canvas. 8x10. This lady is the kind that isn’t hurtful, the kind that listens to your words, validates your feelings, builds others up instead of tears them down, the kind that IS empowering!
I got to do a commission piece last week whom wanted to surprise her wife with it, it was sooooo hard not sharing lol but a surprise is extra special and so is the love these two share. I call this piece “The love that vines” as they have the kind of love that intertwines and vines around them growing so much that it spills off the canvas✨ very magical kind of love. Thanks Alexis & Beth may your love always spill over the canvas♥️
Series of photographs from the Black Lives Matter protest Fort Wayne IN.
“Rosie’s Torch” Original photography + hand embroidery on canvas. 11x14. Phoenix (son) was especially excited he said “ you picked my idea!” as I was doing this shoot he actually posed her and this was his idea. Our first collaboration.
Find more of Christy's work on Instagram.
All of the above images are copyright Christy Scott Arbogast and shared here with permission.
Try it yourself
Embroider a Photo
You will need:
cardstock
printer
camera
pencil
embroidery thread or yarn
needle with a large eye (tapestry needles work well)
scissors
tape
glue
Take a photo of yourself in the mirror or have someone else take one of you. Print it out in black and white on cardstock and cut yourself out. Glue your photo onto heavy cardstock. Lightly sketch a background around the photo with a pencil. Thread your thread or yarn onto the needle and tape the loose end to the back of the cardstock. Fill in the background using short lines of thread or yarn, taping the loose ends on the back whenever you change colors or use a new piece. Be careful not to tug too hard on the thread or yarn or you will tear the cardstock.
Everyone can use a little more kindness, especially during the holidays. Join Nutmeg and her young friends in a new take on the classic Christmas song and spread some kindness and cheer. Available in print and ebook here.
