Yesterday marks Singapore’s 51st National Day as an independent state. Though it may be small and ever-growing, Singapore has seen an increasing vibrancy in the art scene. As KOEL is based in Singapore (if you didn’t already know!), we felt that it was befitting then to introduce to you to the city’s very own embroidery artist, Izziyana Suhaimi! You may find her works rather familiar-looking, and that’s probably because they are! Some of Izziyana’s works are all over Pinterest, particularly her fashion illustrations with embroidered floral accents — a testament of the talents this city state holds.

1. Tell us more about your background and what led you to choosing embroidery as a craft?
I studied Art, Design and Media at the Nanyang Technological University (in Singapore) majoring in Photography. For one of my modules, we had to work on assignment that required us to rethink an image and figure out how to extend it further. I decided to use embroidery to add depth and more meaning to it, and I just fell in love with the medium. I guess it helps that it runs in the family too, as both my grandmothers were embroiderers!

2. What makes you a KOEL Kid?
Perhaps it’s the combination of different mediums, and the use of a traditional craft in a newer way.

3. Share with us the creative process behind each of your project.
Usually it starts with a rough image of the work inside my head, and I try and bring it into reality. For certain projects, I will spend some time creating detailed plans before beginning on the actual work. For others, I will just start and see where the work takes me.

4. Pick one of your favourite designs and answer these quick questions!
The inspiration behind this design is… Melting colours

The dream store in which I would like to stock this design is… Totokaelo

If this design made it big, I would… Make more.

If this design could talk, it would say… Buy me!

5. Great things take time, so how much has changed since you first started embroidery and where do you see it in the next five years?
Since I started, there seem to be a revival of textile crafts — a movement towards appreciating slow processes. It’s pretty cool to see the many different less conventional ways embroidery is used. Next five years.. I would love to see it used with even more unexpected mediums like motion graphics, sound art, light shows, etc.

Photo Credits: Izziyana Suhaimi