About

Fiona Cowell

Fiona Cowell in her studio
Photography: Stuart James

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