Meredith woolnough biography
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Meredith Woolnough: Science and stitch
Many of us can remember taking part in science fairs back in our school days, with poster boards, live experiments and scientific talks to explain how things work.
But imagine if you had to demonstrate scientific phenomena using your sewing machine. Exactly how would you go about it?
Australian artist Meredith Woolnough was presented with just such an opportunity when she was asked to illustrate the beauty of human cells. When she received the invitation, she wasn’t sure it was an opportunity, so she answered the call with a bit of trepidation. But after Meredith was partnered with a forskare who researched embryonic cells, she entered a whole new world of stitch and science.
Meredith was already known for her elegant, freehand machine embroidered drawings showcasing the beauty and fragility of nature in knotted threads. And her use of soluble materials in creating her work is somewhat akin to scientific experiments. She’s never fully
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Name:Meredith Woolnough
Which came first in your life, the science or the art?
I have always had interests in both, but my formal studies started in art. I studied Fine Art at University fresh out of high school and it was during my final year that I developed the embroidery process that I am still working with today. I was drawn to the sculptural possibilities of a freehand embroidery technique and I loved that I could draw with my sewing machine. The science came later as I began to study the natural forms and structures I was depicting in my work. I became fascinated with my subjects and wanted to learn all that I could about them. This led to more formalized studies in Natural History Illustration. This was the perfect course for me because it combined scientific study with creative expression. As a result of these studies, I now start every artwork with fieldwork and research to help inform and inspire my designs. This has resulted in what I hope are more accurate and st
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About
Meredith is a professional artist and educator working out of her studio in Newcastle Australia.
Her sculptural embroideries are an exploration of art, science and nature. The embroideries are created using a unique freehand embroidery technique that utilises a domestic sewing machine and a fabric that dissolves in water.
The work explores the beauty and fragility of nature, sparking a sense of wonder and appreciation of the natural world. Meredith believes that the deeper our appreciation for the aesthetics of nature the more eager we are to immerse ourselves in it and conserve it.
Meredith has exhibited and sold her work worldwide, is the author of two books ‘Organic Embroidery’ (2018) and ‘The 100 Embroideries Project (2023) and teaches both in person and online classes.
Click Here to read her full CV
FAQ’s
How are artworks made?
My artworks are made using an unique embroidery technique known as ‘freehand machine embroidery. This technique essentially allows