GREEK EMBROIDERY AKA THE JOY OF LIFE – Article by Loukia Richards in SMCK Magazine #6

“Embroidery accompanies all aspects of Greek life from birth to death. While the mermaid motif protects newborns against the evil eye, a black cross stitched on the shroud shields the soul against dangers lurking beyond the grave. Embroidery motifs on garments and household or ecclesiastical textiles reveal gender, class, marital status, origins and cultural roots, trade and exchange, conflict and adaptation; they manifest and increase fertility, abundance, happiness.”

Read the full article ” in SMCK Magazine #6: www.smck.org/articles/06_embroidery.html

Book your Greek Embroidery Athens Residency and Master Class with Loukia Richards (apply by 1 August): www.smck.org/opencalls_embroidery-ws.html�

Images:

01_ “Prospekt Gagarina”, 2008. Embroidery on textile by Loukia Richards. Photo: Studio Kominis Athens.
02_ “Eleni” – Tapestry by Loukia Richards, 2016. Textile, embroideries, sewing, appliqué. Photo: Chr. Ziegler.