c a n e m b r o i d e ry b e a r t ? w h at i s a r t a n y way ? The meaning of this short, but controversial, word has, in fact, changed significantly over the centuries. Up until the 1600s it referred to ‘skill; its display, application or expression’, but after this time, when aesthetic considerations became paramount, it came to mean ‘the expression or application of creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting, drawing, or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.’ Oxford English Dictionary Its meaning and the validity of its application will always be a point of contention, best left to those with the energy and wisdom to argue the point, but for an embroidery, there is certainly potential for both meanings to be applied. While some embroidery may not be art, art can certainly be a wonderful inspiration for embroidery. Wandering through a gallery or even browsing through an exhibition catalogue or book can reveal an abundance of exciting ideas that can be effectively applied to stitching. A unique concept, eye-catching colour scheme, dynamic composition or clever use of light and shade are as valuable and important in great pieces of embroidery as they are in any other visual medium. All too often, embroiderers focus heavily on stitch technique or thread choice, giving little thought to these other considerations, much to the detriment of the success of the finished work. So, next time you are about to begin a new piece of embroidery, take some time to do a little research and you too may discover the art of stitch.