From the archives: Embroidering decay with Itamar Yehiel

Show Notes

Takeaways from this episode

• Decay is not the end – it’s a continuation.
  Itamar’s embroidered objects honour the full life cycle, capturing the transition from growth to decline with a sense of reverence. “The decaying leaf is going to fertilise the soil. So it’s kind of a snapshot of the end, but it encompasses the whole circle.”
• Craft can hold contradiction.
  Floating behind glass yet made of thread, Itamar’s work plays with opposing ideas: realism and illusion, weight and lightness, fragility and strength. “I love paradoxes. I try to capture as many contradictions as I can.”
• Nature is a global language.
  Drawing from years of travel, Itamar sees natural materials as emotionally resonant across cultures. “It doesn't need interpretation. Nature speaks to everybody.”
• Art doesn’t need formal training – just commitment.
  With no academic background, Itamar developed his practice through intuition, research, and persistence. “I didn’t plan to be an artist. I just followed the work.
  
• Letting go is part of the creative process.
  Selling his work isn’t just practical – it’s essential to growth. “Each piece that ends up framed is something I love. But parting with it lets me keep creating.”

Join the conversation

What inspired you this episode? Share your biggest insight or favourite moment by tagging @TakeTwoArtCourses on social media or using #FibreArtsPodcast

Explore the artwork from this episode below

During the live interview, we shared some images of Itamar’s artwork. Since you’re listening to the podcast version, we’ve made these images available for you below.