By Ingrid Keneally
Contemporary fiber artist Sarah K. Benning first began embroidery as a hobby in 2013 after graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Now she lives and works in Menorca, Spain, and beneath her engaging nature-inspired pieces lies a formal and diligent approach that embraces a colourful palette, and bold patterns and shapes which result in an unusual paint-like composition. The artist has many fans all over the globe who snap up her new works before they’ve had a chance to settle on her Instagram account. Each work is painstakingly stitched by hand.
How do you work with fiber?
As an embroidery artist, I most commonly work with embroidery floss on cotton or linen. Sometimes I work with only a single strand at a time and other times with all six or even 12 strands at once – it really depends on the project and section of the piece. I keep my embroideries in the wooden hoops to display as wall hangings, though I have plans for some alternative hanging methods in the works. I approach my embroideries more as illustrations, emphasizing color and composition over the use of traditional stitches or knots.
What is a pivotal moment in your early career?
When I first started out I was making hand-stitched greeting cards, when someone suggested exploring embroidery hoops as an extension of my sewing practice. It was such a simple suggestion, but it put me on the road to what I make now.
Is there a childhood influence that contributes to what you do now?
I grew up surrounded by creative professionals and knew I wanted to be an artist from a very young age. Luckily, my family has always been very supportive of my decisions and interest in the arts. I feel very fortunate to be able to make a living doing what I love and I think the freedom to be creative and experiment with making as a child played a major role in getting me to where I am.
The professional achievements you’re most proud of
I am most proud of my ability to work as a self-sustaining artist. I was able to ditch my day job and commit to full-time self-employment after about a year and a half of very hard work. It was such an exciting moment for me when I put in my two weeks’ notice at my previous job and it continues to be an incredibly rewarding (though often very challenging) path.
What do you wish you’d known when you were starting out in fiber?
I wish I’d had more confidence in my work when I first started out. Very early on I was driven so much by the need to make sales that I wasn’t always true to my own artistic vision. I often accepted custom or commissioned works that I wasn’t really excited about and subsequently they weren’t my best work. It can be really scary to say no to a potential customer, but sometimes it is the right decision. Staying true to myself and being able to say ‘no’ is something I still struggle with, but it is so important to be your own advocate and be confident about what you do and how you do it.
Why do you think wool and hand-made textiles are experiencing such a resurgence in popularity right now?
I think people are ready to return to more genuine products. When everything and anything is available only a click away, having something made by someone is very special. I love supporting other hand-made business because I know I am getting a product that someone put lots of energy and care into. I think textiles specifically are so popular right now because they are accessible. The materials are accessible and relatively inexpensive and textile crafts like sewing, weaving, or knitting are so engrained in almost every culture. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the speed and excess of modern life, but I think textile forces people to slow down and refocus.
What is your dream wool project?
I would love to collaborate on textile designs and embellished fabric projects that could then be made into clothing. It’s not something I have done before, but I think it would be a really great thing to explore.
Your favourite fiber artists
There are so many amazing textile artists out there. I love the work of Jujujust, Liz Payne, Emily Barletta, and Christy Matson, to name a few.
Your favourite wool item in your wardrobe or home and why?
I am such a sucker for a good pair of wool socks. Having studied in Chicago and then lived in Upstate New York, I am no stranger to absolutely frigid and miserable winters and I am not sure I could have survived without my wool socks. Even now, living on the beautiful island of Menorca I appreciate them. Winter here is surprisingly chilly and damp.
Describe your work-space
I have had several workspaces since starting my embroidery business in 2013 and will continue to be a bit nomadic for the next year or two. At the moment, I work out of my apartment in Mahón. I have a desk surrounded by potted tropical plants and cacti, but I do most of my sewing on the couch. I especially love this apartment because of its floor-to- ceiling windows that overlook a park always busy with playing children.
What is your idea for a good beginner’s task?
Any and all practice. Practice the stitches giving you trouble over and over again. It took me ages to master the static stitch, now the main technique I use. I created so many pieces with wonky stitching, in the beginning I couldn’t follow a straight line to save my life.
The KPC Yarn hue that speaks volumes to you
Definitely ‘Topiary,’ I love that deep, dark green.