About
Fiona Cowell

My work is rooted in familiar embroidery techniques, but I like to push beyond the flat surface, combining three-dimensional elements to bring my textile art to life. I’m drawn to the richness and diversity of embroidery, and I aim to transform the ordinary and familiar into pieces that invite the viewer to look closer and consider the message behind the work.
I work with a variety of threads, materials, and techniques, tailoring each piece to suit the subject and its story. By layering and blending traditional domestic embroidery with social and ecological commentary, I hope to connect with viewers in unexpected ways.
Ultimately, my goal is to create art that resonates emotionally: pieces that spark reflection, challenge social norms and invite contemplation on the legacy we leave behind.
Curriculum vitae
Selected CV
Education
- BA Honours, Three-dimensional Art and DesignBuckinghamshire College of Higher Education, High Wycombe · Jewellery and silversmithing major; textiles minor
- Self-taught in embroidery
Exhibitions
- Stitch by Stitch Contemporary Fine Art TextilesJuried exhibition · The Willow Gallery, Oswestry, Shropshire
- Hand & Lock, The Prize ExhibitionRosenfeld Gallery, London
- Stitch by Stitch Contemporary Fine Art TextilesJuried exhibition · The Willow Gallery, Oswestry, Shropshire
- A Stitch in TimeGroup exhibition · Shrewsbury Flax Mill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Awards
- First Runner Up, Emerging Woman Artist AwardArts to Hearts Project
- Chairman’s Choice, Hand & Lock Prize for EmbroideryMy Metamorphosis · Traces of Transition
- Gold Award, Shrewsbury Drapers Company Textile Design CompetitionChasing the Dragon · East Meets West
- Silver Award, Shrewsbury Drapers Company Textile Design CompetitionMother Nature I, Human Nature II · Beneath the Waves theme
- First Prize for Painting in age categoryCookham Festival, Berkshire
Press and publications
- Arts to Hearts Project, Emerging Woman Artist Award, Fall editionAward winner, page 29 · feature, page 102
- Embroidery, The Textile Art MagazineMy Metamorphosis front cover · Hand & Lock feature, page 14
Memberships
- Crafts Council