Interwoven: Michelle Agnew on Redefining Embroidery as Fine Art
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Embroidery is often viewed as decorative. Michelle Agnew sees it differently. Through sculpture, storytelling, and a foundation in both science and the humanities, she is redefining embroidery as fine art. I spoke with Agnew about her artistic journey and how she weaves her mission into every piece she creates.
What is art?
Embroidery often falls under the umbrella of design. There's an ongoing dialogue about the difference between art and design, and many in the art world perceive a hierarchy between the two. Throughout my journey, I've challenged those traditional assumptions and examined my own beliefs about embroidery as an artistic medium. I realized that art is storytelling. Artists tell stories through their chosen medium. I tell mine through sculptural and abstract art, which I define as impressionistic sculpture. Every piece I create begins with a reason.
Image courtesy of Michelle Agnew. Does the story come before the artwork?
Every piece begins with an idea, but it evolves throughout the creative process. I start with a general concept and sketch the design, but I never know exactly how the final piece will look. The process itself shapes the work. Everything I'm reading, watching, and discussing influences the piece as it develops, allowing the story to evolve alongside the artwork.
Image courtesy of Michelle Agnew. What is your artistic journey?
My journey into embroidery was unconventional. When I started university, I was studying microbiology. During one particularly challenging semester, I procrastinated studying for organic chemistry by embroidering. Embroidery quickly became my creative outlet. I even started selling handmade ornaments at Christmas markets.
After that semester, I was at a crossroads. My mom encouraged me to explore textile design. But I did not believe it could be a realistic career path. I later switched my focus from microbiology to English and finished my degree. My fascination with embroidery did not waver throughout college. This interest (especially with embroidery in historical costumes) led me to discover the Royal School of Needlework in England.
In 2022, I completed an intensive embroidery program at the Royal School of Needlework. When, I returned to Toronto, I began sharing my work on social media. As more people discovered my work, my audience grew. Then, a few months later, I landed my first major commission, which went viral. That was the turning point: what I originally thought would be an additional skill for costume design ultimately became my full-time career. Embroidery is simply the medium through which I continue exploring those interests.
Image courtesy of Michelle Agnew. How has your work evolved over time?
While studying at the Royal School of Needlework, I learned a wide range of embroidery techniques. From the beginning, I knew goldwork interested me most, but I wasn't yet sure how I wanted to use it.
After graduating, I accepted a variety of commissions. While I was grateful for the opportunities, I realized I wasn't creating the work I wanted to be known for.
In 2024, I entered the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery and created a sculptural goldwork piece that received the Associate Award from the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers.
The competition gave me the confidence to fully embrace sculptural gold work. Today, my work balances preserving the history of embroidery while pushing the medium into a contemporary fine art context. Although I'm still experimenting, I feel I've begun to develop a distinctive artistic voice.
Image courtesy of Michelle Agnew. How has your scientific background influenced your art?
Science influences the subject matter more than its technical properties. While I'm still learning about the process of making gold and silver wires, my background in microbiology shapes the ideas I explore.
I'm very interested in the relationship between agriculture, food systems, biodiversity, and textiles. These relationships influence what materials I work with. When I use high-quality natural fibers like wool and linen, they complement both the craftsmanship and the story behind each piece.
How do you incorporate your mission and vision into your work, especially commissioned pieces?
Whether I'm creating an original piece or a commission, I'm always telling a story. Every commission is personal because it tells someone’s story.
One commission that stands out is a bee piece. I created it for a woman whose brother had passed away. He cared deeply about bees and biodiversity. The embroidery became a way to honor his memory. Knowing there's a meaningful story behind each commission allows me to create something that will preserve those memories for generations.
More broadly, my mission is to elevate embroidery as a fine art. While embroidery has traditionally been viewed as a design or craft, I believe it belongs in the contemporary fine art conversation. Through my work and by supporting other embroiderers, I hope to help reshape how the medium is perceived.
Image courtesy of Michelle Agnew. What advice would you give students or young professionals who want to pursue a career in art?
Follow your instincts. I never took art classes because I didn't think I was good at drawing, but I eventually realized that art extends far beyond traditional disciplines.
Don't let what you aren't good at stop you from pursuing what you love. - Michelle Agnew
Continue strengthening your skills while embracing your natural abilities.
I'd also encourage aspiring artists to share their work. Social media has been an invaluable tool in building my career because it has enabled people to follow my journey from the very beginning. You don't have to wait until your work feels perfect. Sharing the creative process can be just as meaningful as sharing the finished piece.
Finally, don't limit yourself to the opportunities available where you live. Looking beyond my own community led me to discover the Royal School of Needlework, and ultimately changed the course of my career. Sometimes the opportunity you're looking for exists somewhere you haven't thought to look yet.
Image courtesy of Michelle Agnew. What's the next chapter for you?
Right now, I'm focused on several exciting collaborations that will take shape over the coming months. At the same time, I'm working toward building a cohesive body of work that reflects my artistic vision. While I've exhibited individual pieces before, my next goal is to develop a collection that allows me to pursue more gallery exhibitions. Embroidery is a medium that deserves to be experienced in person, and I'm excited to continue sharing my work beyond the digital space.
Throughout her journey, Michelle Agnew has shown that art isn't defined by its medium, but by the stories it tells. Whether she's creating a deeply personal commission or a sculptural gallery piece, every stitch serves a purpose. In redefining embroidery as fine art, she's inviting others to look beyond tradition and see the medium through a new lens.
