What better way to meditate on nature’s most majestic features than to recreate its details one stitch at a time? Since picking up a needle and thread in 2020, Cassandra Dias has translated rugged cliffsides, neat vineyards, and sun-streaked mountains into lush embroideries.

The Southern California-based artist uses a technique known as thread painting, which combines a variety of stitches to create richly textured scenes. Having developed a dreamy, impressionistic style, Dias’ embroideries mimic the pointed and gestural movements of a paintbrush, with the depth of impasto. Whether depicting a single autumnal tree or a wide seascape stretching for miles, the artist’s works direct attention to the minuscule details and the abundant life all around us.

a process shot of hands creating a lush landscape embroidery in a light wood hoop by Cassandra Dias

Many of the images shown here are from Dias’ forthcoming book, Richly Stitched Landscape Embroidery: Mastering Thread Painted Scenes, which will be released in May. To dive into her techniques and distinctive approach, pre-order your copy from the Colossal Shop. You can also find more on Instagram.

a collection of lush landscape embroideries in light wood hoops by Cassandra Dias

a collection of natural objects in light wood hoops by Cassandra Dias

a lush landscape embroidery in a light wood hoop by Cassandra Dias

a collection of lush landscape embroideries in light wood hoops by Cassandra Dias

a lush landscape embroidery in a dark wood frame by Cassandra Dias

an autumn tree embroidery with supplies around

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