About the artist Liz Luther

 In college, Liz Luther joined a medieval re-creation group called the Society for Creative Anachronism. Through the SCA, she learned about the craft and art of embroidery. She tried out many different techniques and explored many materials, from cotton and wool to gold and silk. 

Goldwork (a term that encompasses all metal-thread embroidery) became her passion. Liz pursued it within the SCA for decades. She earned accolades for the quality of her work. She also gained recognition for researching the art and craft of embroidery in 16th century England.

When Liz moved to Seaside, long walks on the beach turned into inspiration. Liz has taken centuries-old goldwork techniques and stitched pieces based on life beside and below the water. She’s obsessed with fish and octopuses and the play of water and light.

If you see sand dollars and seashells on a piece of Liz’s work – they’re real! She combs the beaches of Seaside for shells. She visits distant shores like Hawaii and New Zealand. While there, she finds shells to incorporate into her art.

After 30 years, Liz still considers herself a student of embroidery art. She learns something new with every piece she creates.

Embroidery as an Art Form

Throughout human history, embroidery has been recognized as an art form suitable for the highest of the high. It was done for church leaders, kings and queens, princes and princesses, chiefs and emperors across the world. In the past, organized workshops existed from England to Italy. From China to Japan, they used fine, expensive materials. They told stories in thread on fabric.

Liz uses the centuries-old techniques and rarified materials (sometimes real gold thread) to create modern embroidery art.

Embroidery is a slow art. A piece that fits into a three-inch square frame takes Liz more than a dozen hours to finish!