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More Bullseye BE Con Stories…

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Bullseye’s conference BE Con’s theme was Crossover. A material exchange. There were glass blowers, painters, architects, a photographer, a wood sculptor, among other arts enthusiasts. I want to profile each of the speakers in the next few weeks so you can get a taste of what I experienced there. It was truly reewarding and highly educational as well as incredibly inspiring. Some of the artists I have mentioned in previous postings while they were doing work at Bullseye and I have already mentioned Silvia Levenson, who is awesome. Today I want to talk about Mindy Weisel. She was on a panel with Kari Minnick and Tom Jacobs and was discussing the collaboration between the three f them on a large courtyard installation project.

Mindy is an abstract painter that fell into glass as she put it. She started working in glass in 2005 with Kari. By 2008 she had a major commission for a large-scale outdoor kiln glass work in Maryland. She went to Bullseye for fabrication assistance and was helped by Tom Jacobs, the third person on this most interesting panel discussion. During the discussion we learned about the process from Mindy’s introduction to glass through creating a moquette and having it scaled up, and all of the challenges that accompanied that amazing endeavor. So very inspiring!! Read about all of the presenters here…

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King Sophie’s World – Where Photography Meets Embroidery in a Stunning Art Evolution

In the world of modern art, creative boundaries are constantly being pushed, and one artist who is leading the charge in an innovative and inspiring way is Sophie, the mastermind behind King Sophie’s World. Sophie is redefining what it means to blend traditional needlework with contemporary art by combining her stunning photography with embroidery. If you haven’t heard of her yet, you’re in for a treat. Let’s take a closer look at how Sophie’s work is pushing the boundaries of art, one embroidered print at a time.

Sophie’s artistic journey is a fusion of two worlds: photography and embroidery. As an artist, she captures beautiful, thought-provoking photographs that evoke emotion and capture life’s fleeting moments. But Sophie doesn’t stop there. She then takes those images to the next level by adding her signature embroidery to everyday objects, creating a piece of art that is both striking and meaningful. These embroidered prints aren’t just photographs—they are a  intricate interpretation of her vision, 

This evolution of art, where photography and embroidery meet, is not just innovative; it’s a testament to the evolving ways in which artists are reimagining the classics and experimenting with new techniques. Sophie’s ability to seamlessly blend these two mediums shows just how far the art world has come—and it’s exciting to think about where it’s headed next.

Among the many stunning pieces in Sophie’s collection, her embroidered rose prints stand out as personal favorites. There’s something so striking about the combination of delicate flowers and bold, empowering words. The roses themselves are beautifully photographed, with intricate stitches capturing the softness and elegance of each petal. But it’s the juxtaposition of these gentle flowers with words that encourage strength and confidence that makes them so powerful.

Her rose embroidery prints feature sayings that resonate with many of us—quotes that inspire, uplift, and make us reflect on the importance of self-worth and empowerment. These aren’t just pretty flowers; they’re symbols of resilience, independence, and beauty, much like the women they represent. Every time I look at one of her pieces, it’s like a visual reminder of how we all need to embrace our inner strength and beauty.

What Sophie is doing with her embroidered prints is so cool because it’s a perfect example of how artists are adapting to and evolving with the times. She takes the age-old art of embroidery—something traditionally viewed as delicate and reserved for traditional or vintage works—and reinvents it. By combining it with photography, she breathes new life into both mediums.

Sophie’s work is proof that art doesn’t need to stay stagnant. It’s an ever-changing, ever-growing process that can take on new forms and new meanings. Through her embroidered prints, Sophie is showing the world how art can evolve and how we, as viewers, can continue to be surprised and inspired by these innovations.