Annella Coral (2023)

Embroidery thread and pins on paper.

Framed in a white shadowbox frame behind museum glass (anti-reflective and UV protective)

Frame size: 103 x 73 x 4cm (40.5" x 28.7" x 1.6")

The idea to create this ‘Coral Canopy’ came from encountering a canopy of trees exhibiting crown shyness. This is feature observed in some tree species, in which the crowns of fully stocked trees do not touch each other, instead forming a canopy with channel-like gaps.

While observing the beautiful patterns that the gaps in these trees formed I began thinking about how corals grow and coexist with their neighboring corals.

To me, my embroidered Coral canopy reflects the current fragile state of the world’s coral reefs. I see this piece as a porthole view of seemingly healthy coral branches, hanging in a delicate balance. The patterning and winding channel-like gaps within these coral branches are inspired by crown shyness in trees. Trees in a delicate balance with their neighbours. Corals also survive within a delicate balance, they are constantly fighting not only for space adn light wiht their neighbouring corals, but also for thier very survival in our rapidly changing and warming oceans.

The vibrant blue/violet colour used in this peice reflects anothe recently observed phenomena of coral flurecence. Some coral species are displaying this kind of cibrant blue colour prior to bleaching.

Coral Canopy (2023)

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

78 x 78 x 6 cm (framed size)

Framed in a white box frame behind museum glass

The Porthole Series consists of ten circular embroideries, each inspired by different coral structures. These pieces formed a part of Meredith’s 2023 ‘CORAL’ exhibition.

Embroidery thread and pins on paper.

Each measures 40 x 40cm (framed size) framed in a white box frame with a double mount behind museum glass.

I was lucky enough to scuba dive at the John Brewer Reef in Queensland in 2022 while visiting MOUA (the Museum of Underwater Art). This reef was stunning and very healthy, the coral varieties on display were very diverse and I was especially taken by the numerous coral fans I encountered. This piece is one of several embroidered coral fan studies created based on the specimens I encountered and photographed on the John Brewer Reef.

John Brewer Reef Coral Fan study #1 (2023)

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

Framed in a white box frame behind museum glass

Plumigorgia Coral (2023)

Embroidery thread and pins on paper.

Framed in a white shadowbox frame behind museum glass (anti-reflective and UV protective)

Frame size: 103 x 73 x 4cm (40.5" x 28.7" x 1.6")

Zignisis Coral (2023) is a study of one of my favourite coral genera.

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

103 x 78cm (framed size)

Framed in a white box frame behind museum glass.

Ombre Coral Grid (2022)

Private commission

Nine circular sculptural embroideries inspired by coral structures.

Shadow mounted and framed individually in white box frames behind museum glass.

original embroidered artwork created for the Gibco 'Love your Cells' campaign made up of hundreds of shaped stitched cells.

A remarkable exhibition showcasing the true beauty of cells.

We paired each of our Love Letter scientist-authors with artists from across the globe. Every artist, with their own unique style, captured the amazing beauty of cells in an extraordinary way. See the wonderment of cells like you’ve never seen them before in an art exhibition that celebrates the power, potential and physical beauty of cells.

‘Precious Possibilities’ was inspired by the work Dr. Marietta Hartl (Postdoctoral Researcher)

For more information about this project and to view a short video visit: https://meredithwoolnough.com.au/blog/2021/10/30/art-of-cells-project

2021

73 x 70cm (framed size)

Embroidery measures approximately 45cm in diameter

Inspired by the densely growing varieties of cushion plants found in Mount Field Tasmania, this artwork is made up of thousands of tiny cup-shaped embroideries nestled together to form this circular design.

An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef which seemed a fitting title for this series of works.

The first three pieces in this series were created in early 2021. Three more were created in 2023 to form part of the ‘CORAL Exhibition’.

embroidery thread and pins on paper

63 x 63cm (framed size)

Click HERE to read more about this series.

2021

Embroidery threads and pins on paper

63 x 63cm (framed size)

Click here to read more about this work.

The 100 Embroideries Project was undertaken between January and August 2020. For this project Meredith produced a new embroidery every few days and released the images on social media until all 100 were created. The pieces were exhibited at her sell out solo exhibition at the Milk Factory Gallery August/September 2020.

2017

Polyester Embroidery thread

Dimensions variable, 400+ individual embroideries pinned to the wall (shown install size 135cm diameter circle)

Designed for the 3rd Tamworth Textile Triennial ‘Open House’

Artist statement:

Coral reefs are under stress due to rising sea temperatures.

It has been predicted that 90% of the world’s coral will be dead by 2050.

In the face of this devastating statistic I cant help but wonder what the world will be like without coral reefs. What will these beautiful, fascinating and important ecosystems look like after climate change has destroyed the majority of them? Will they become barren wastelands or will the reefs evolve into a new kind of ecosystem, with new dominant species? While many species will perish under the impending harsh conditions there will always be those that are able to adapt, survive and even thrive in the face of change.

‘The New Neighbours’ explores a possibility of what the transformed reefs could look like after secondary colonisers have moved in. The embroidered forms that make up the installation are inspired by a red Discosoma species, from the order Corallimorpharia. Colonies of Corallimorphs have been known to rapidly cover empty spaces in a reef, like a living carpet over coral rubble. Species from this order are hardy, fast growing organisms that are resistant to pollution, water acidity and temperature changes, making them potential survivors of the impending reef destruction.  

2014

embroidery thread

100cm diameter

Wall installation

Tamworth Regional Gallery permanent collection

An arrangement of dozens of individually stitched Ginkgo biloba leaves arranges in a circular design.

2019

Polyester embroidery thread and pins on paper.

Framed in a white box frame, with a double mount matt board.

Embroidery measures approximately: 52 cm in diameter

Frame measures: 89 x 89cm

A beautiful (and ethical) coral branch you can proudly display on your wall.

Inspired by the vibrant colours and intricate veining structures of Venus Sea Fans (Gorgonia flabellum).

Polyester embroidery thread and pins on paper.

Framed in a white box frame without matt board.

Embroidery measures: 67 x 68cm (width x height)

Frame measures: 93 x 92cm

Private collection

Polyester embroidery thread and pins on paper

89 x 89 x 4cm

Framed (white box frame)

Inspired by the internal structure of a Nautilus shell and its mathematical perfection.

2018

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

64 x 59 x 4cm (framed size)

private collection

The ‘Typologies’ series is a collection of monochromatic studies that mimic a range of structures found in the natural world. When the studies are displayed together we naturally group them into patterns, forming connections between the structures. The series explores the balance, harmony and interconnectivity of life on earth. 

2015

embroidery thread

wall installation

Wangaratta Art Gallery Permanent Collection

'Typologies' was a a finalist in the 2015 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award

2018

Inspired by the leaves of various local eucalyptus trees in my area and the subtle colour changes they experience once fallen.

2019

Polyester embroidery thread and pins on paper.

Framed in a white box frame with double matt board

Embroidery measures approximately: 19cm in diameter

Frame measures: 40 x 40cm

2018

9 Coral circle artworks, each embroidery measuring approximately 23cm in diameter.

Private commission, Sold mounted but unframed (for safer/easier shipping).

The two leaf lines were created during my residency at the Glasshouse in Port Maquarie NSW.

I always like to start a new project with fieldwork and my explorations around Port Macquarie took me to Sea Acres National Park. As I wandered around this natural wonder I was attracted not to the rainforest canopy above but the subtle rainbow of colour underfoot. This easily overlooked spectacle was made up of fallen eucalypt leaves in various stages of dying and drying out. I collected a range of these leaves and took them into the studio to inform my work for the week. 

Eucalypt trees are so commonplace in our natural and suburban environments that their beautiful sculptural leaves are often unnoticed. 

Once in the studio I strove to reimagine the leaves in embroidery, focusing on their basic form and subtle colour shifts. During the week I stitched dozens of leaves, striving to achieve something close to the beautiful colouring of my collected specimens.  These stitched leaves can be seen in the two ‘leaf lines’ that are arranged like rows of embroidered specimens.

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

43.5 x 156.5 x 4cm (framed size)

Private collections

Polyester embroidery thread and pins on paper

2018

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

90 x 74cm (framed size)

Private collection

The world’s coral reefs are in peril. Large expanses of reefs are bleaching and dyeing due to warming ocean temperatures. Most people are familiar with the cause and result of coral bleaching but there is another, relatively unknown, a phenomenon that is happening on some reefs. The coral is glowing.

Little is known about this recent evolutionary adaptation. It is believed to be a type of chemical sunscreen the coral produces to help protect themselves from the heat. These stunning shades of violet and blue are a type of swan song for coral. A beautiful fateful fluorescence as the coral transforms itself in a final attempt to survive this changing world.

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

89 x 89cm (framed size)

2018

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

90 x 74cm (framed size)

2018

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

89 x 89cm (framed size)

Private collection

2015

embroidery thread and pins on paper

individually framed (40 x 40cm) in a white shadowbox

This gallery displays a range of 'nature studies' that have been created over the past few years and does not represent the collection that is currently available for purchase. These designs can be made to order upon request. 

To see a range of 'Nature studies' click here to download a PDF catalog.

Would you like to know more about purchasing this art work? Click here to enquire

2018

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

53 x 53cm (framed size)

Giant Lilypad maps the vein patterning of one of the lily pads I collected from the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. 

Click HERE to view the feature article that I wrote for 'Down Under Textiles magazine' discussing the creation of this artwork. 

2015

embroidery thread and pins on paper

95 x 120cm

framed in a white shadowbox

SOLD

2018

A series of nine embroidered pieces. Each measuring around 18cm in diameter.

The world’s coral reefs are in peril. Large expanses of reefs are bleaching and dyeing due to warming ocean temperatures. Most people are familiar with the cause and result of coral bleaching but there is another, relatively unknown, phenomenon that is happening on some reefs. The coral is glowing. 

Little is known about this recent evolutionary adaptation. It is believed to be a type of chemical sunscreen the coral produces to help protect themselves from the heat. These stunning shades of violet and blue are a type or swan song for coral. A beautiful fateful florescence as the coral transforms itself in a final attempt to survive this changing world.

2018, embroidery thread and pins on paper, 89 x 89cm (framed size)

The logarithmic spiral is found across the natural world. You will see this spiral curve in the chambers of a nautilus shell, in an unfurling fern frond, in the centre of a sunflower or in the swirling eye of a storm cloud. This piece began with a study of the mathematics of the logarithmic spiral and developed into its current twisting form.

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

92 x 105cm (framed size)

Framed in a white box frame

Private Collection

2018

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

53 x 53cm (framed size)

Private collection

Winner of the Craft NSW Emerging Artist - Craft Minor Award 2014

This piece is inspired by the underside of the amazonian water lily, Victoria amazonica. I was drawn to the radiating support structure of the lilypad and the stunning deep purple to lime green colouring of the underside of the leaf. 

2014

embroidery thread and pins on paper

69 x 69cm

framed in a white shadowbox

Private collection

This piece was created for the 2014 'Taste of Textiles' exhibition at Timeless Textiles Gallery. For this unique exhibitions 20 textile artists from around the world were each asked to create an artwork that was inspired by a fresh produce food (fruit, vegetable, spice etc.) Each chosen produce would then be used as the hero ingredient in a recipe that was developed by a local cook. From this collection of food inspired art and art inspired recipes a lovely exhibition was developed.

For my contribution to the exhibition I chose red cabbage because I have always loved the fractal like patterns that are revealed when the cabbage is cut in half.

2014

embroidery thread and pins on paper

100 x 100cm

framed in a white shadowbox

Private Collection

These spiraled shells are commonly found washed up on beaches but few people know about the true origins or fascinating structures of these tiny shells. Most people guess that these shells are broken segments of a much larger spiral shell but they are in fact the internal calcified shell of a squid called Spirula spirula.

This small, mesopelagic (deep-sea) squid is one of the few cephalopods living that still retains a shell. The spirally coiled shell comprises of a series of chambers that provide osmatically regulated buoyancy control for the squid. In this piece I wanted to depict the shell as if it had been cut in half, exposing the various chambers and the siphuncle that runs through the shell. 

2017

Framed in a black box frame

Frame size: 52,5 x 69cm (embroidery size approximately 24 x 33cm)

$1200

This piece is currently available from Traffic Jam Galleries

This piece is inspired by the beautiful ribbed patterns on the Argonauta argo egg case. Argonauts are commonly referred to as the 'paper nautilus' but they are not nautiloids. They are in fact a type of octopus and the female makes a beautiful, translucent egg case to hang out in. If you are lucky you may find one of these egg cases washed up on the beach.

Argonaut egg cases are generally white in colour but I couldn't resist making this interpretation of their form in my favorite orange colour scheme.

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

59 x 70cm (framed size)

Framed in a white box frame

Private collection

The two Begonia Leaf artworks were inspired by my visit to the Ballarat begonia Festival at the Ballarat Botanic Gardens. The festival was centred around a glorious greenhouse, exploding with colour and showcased a huge collection of begonia varieties. Although the flowers were striking, it was the leaves that I was most drawn to. There is huge variety in the shape, patterning and colouration of begonia leaves. I personally love the asymmetrical leaf varieties with bands of purple and green - which you can plainly see in my two pieces inspired by this plant. 

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

66 x 81.5cm (framed size)

Framed in a white box frame

Private Collection

This piece depicts the feeding tentacles of the fan worm Sabella spallanzanii. The worm itself is mostly hidden inside its leathery tube, extending only the feathery feeding tentacles out of the top of its self made home. In this artwork I have focused on the worm's crown of feeding tentacles, depicting the fan of banded tentacles in a design that describes the structure of the crown if it was to be flattened out. There are two distinct layers of tentacles in the crown and one of these layers forms a distinct spiral. This structure can be difficult to see when the tentacles are extended in the water as the crown tends to look more like a soft cup or a feathery plume underwater.

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

93 x 93cm (framed size)

$3,300.00

Framed in a white box frame

To read about the inspiration behind this piece click HERE

As the name suggests this piece is inspired by the view of cells under an electron microscope. The piece focuses on the repeated patterns of overlapping circles of varying scale. 

2015

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

Framed in  white shadowbox

93 x 93cm

Private collection

2015

embroidery thread and pins on paper

70 x 70cm

framed in a white shadowbox

$1950.00 AU

Private Collection

The two Begonia Leaf artworks were inspired by my visit to the Ballarat begonia Festival at the Ballarat Botanic Gardens. The festival was centred around a glorious greenhouse, exploding with colour and showcased a huge collection of begonia varieties. Although the flowers were striking, it was the leaves that I was most drawn to. There is huge variety in the shape, patterning and colouration of begonia leaves. I personally love the asymmetrical leaf varieties with bands of purple and green - which you can plainly see in my two pieces inspired by this plant.

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

66 x 81.5cm (framed size)

$1,750.00

Framed in a white box frame

The inspiration for Coast Pennywort (hydrocotyle bonariensis) came from a plant I picked up on a walk around my local area. This plant, commonly known as Coast Pennywort or Kurnell's curse, is a weed in most parts of New South Wales but I have always loved the shape of it's fleshy leaves with their intricate internal vein patterns.

To read about this artworks creation, Click here 

2015

embroidery thread and pins on paper

74 x 67cm

framed in a white shadowbox

$2500.00 AU

Private collection

I have always had a deep fascination with Ammonites. This fascinating group of extinct marine invertebrates have a beautiful spiralled shaped shell that resembles the curved spiral of a rams horn. Since only fossil records of these ancient creatures exist I have been able to have a bit of fun with colour, depicting the forms in one of my favourite shades of blue. 

2015

embroidery thread and pins on paper

93 x 103cm

framed in a white shadowbox

Private Collection

I have always been drawn to caladium leaves. Beautifully patterned and vividly coloured this is another example of a plant that is loved for its decorative foliage. The design for this piece was based on the cultivated caladium bicolour - 'Thai beauty', a stunning plant with heart shaped leaves with bright colouration.

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

66 x 81.5cm (framed size)

Framed in a white box frame

Private Collection

2017

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

65 x 65cm 

$1500.00

This artwork is currently available from Gallery Oscar

Polyester embroidery thread and pins on paper

53 x 55cm (framed size)

Private Collection

2015 to date

embroidery thread and pins on paper

each piece is individually framed in a white shadowbox measuring 20 x 20cm

To read more about these pieces click HERE

This gallery displays a range of 'Stitched Specimens' that have been created over the past few years and does not represent the collection that is currently available for purchase. These designs can be made to order upon request. 

Would you like to know more about purchasing this artwork? Click here to enquire

Inspired by the internal vein structure of a vibrantly coloured Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

2019

Polyester embroidery thread and pins on paper

Framed in a white box frame with no matt board

Embroidery measures: 22 x45cm (width x height)

Frame measures: 41 x 63cm (width x height)

A beautiful (and ethical) coral branch you can proudly display on your wall.

Inspired by the vibrant colours and intricate veining structures of Sea Fans.

This piece has been created in response to the coral awareness campaign developed by Glowing.org A Global campaigns using creativity to to accelerate climate and ocean action.

Polyester embroidery thread and pins on Arches paper.

Framed in a white box frame, without matt borders.

Embroidery measures approximately: 42 x 47cm (width x height)

Frame measures: 60 x 60cm

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

38 x 74cm (framed size)

Private Collection

Don't you love maple seeds? These tiny fruits (otherwise known as Samaras) are lots of fun to watch as they fall from their trees, twirling down like little helicopters. I especially love the vibrant colouring of young samaras and these bright green and pink seeds inspired this new piece.

Created 2017

Framed artwork measures 74cm wide x 85cm high 

embroidery measures roughly 24cm wide x 79cm tall

$2000.00 AU

2013

embroidery thread and pins on paper

93 x 93cm

Private collection

2014

embroidery thread and pins on paper

85 x 95cm

Private commission

This piece is based on the sea fan Ctenocella pectinata. This harp (lyre) or comb shaped sea fan grows in two distinct branches with many thin, long branchlets arising from the top side of its branches. These fans can grow to large sizes (up to 150cm wide) and are generally a vibrant red colour. 

2016

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

98 x 93cm

Framed in a white box frame

$3,300.00

This piece is currently available from Traffic Jam Galleries.

The soft discosoma coral (commonly known as mushroom coral) is one of my favourite corals. It's delicate shape and bright colouring always draws my attention in aquariums. I have never been lucky enough to see it in the wild, but hope to one day. 

2013

embroidery thread and pins on paper

93 x 93cm

framed in a white shadowbox

Private Collection

2015

Embroidery thread

Dimensions variable

Private Collections

I have always had a deep fascination with Ammonites. This fascinating group of extinct marine invertebrates have a beautiful spiralled shaped shell that resembles the curved spiral of a rams horn. Since only fossil records of these ancient creatures exist I have been able to have a bit of fun with colour, depicting the form in a vibrant orange red.

2015

embroidery thread and pins on paper

94 x 99cm

framed in a white shadowbox

Private Collection

Inspired by Japanese maple leaves in autumn. 

2015

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

Framed in a white shadowbox

50 x 59cm

$850.00

Private collection

2015

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

93 x 82cm

Framed in a white shadowbox

Private Collection

A beautiful (and ethical) coral branch you can proudly display on your wall. Inspired by the vibrant colours and intricate veining structures of Sea Fans.

This piece has been created in response to the coral awareness campaign developed by Glowing.org A Global campaigns using creativity to to accelerate climate and ocean action.

2019

Polyester embroidery thread and pins on paper.

Framed in a white box frame with a double matt board.

Embroidery measures approximately: 19cm in diameter

Frame measures: 40 x 40cm

Most coral's are made up of large colonies of thousands of individual animals - coral polyps. The soft tentacles of coral polyps are mostly extended at night so we rarely see these creatures in action, or at all. This piece takes inspiration from these elusive creatures, depicting a maze of twisting tentacles without the corals calcium carbonate skeleton that we know so well.

2016

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

70 x 70cm (framed size)

$1,950.00 SOLD

Framed in a white box frame

Many disiduous plants put on a spectacular display in autumn, and this is one of the reasons that it is my favourite time of year. In the house where I grew up we had a Japanese maple tree which transformed our front yard with it's sunset coloured leaves every autumn. I have tried to capture the deep bright red of the tiny maple leaves in this piece.

Embroidery thread and pins on paper

75 x 62cm (framed size)

$1650.00 SOLD

Framed in a white box frame

A study of a single leaf of a Kidney fern (Hymenophyllum nephrophyllum) focusing on the intricate veining system and soft green colour transition seeing these plants.

2019, Polyester embroidery thread and pins on paper

Framed in a white box frame without matt board