Stephen Wilson Albums

“My work has always been about the medium of fabric and thread and how far I can push the medium in both conventional and unconventional methods. Since the conventional use of thread and embroidery has been in fashion and wearables, fashion has always been a major influence in my work".  Stephen Wilson, Artist

Stephen Wilson is a mixed-media artist for whom sustainability and up-cycling is integral to his artistic process and ethos. Based in North Carolina, Stephen is best known for his exploration of the intersections between traditional craft and contemporary culture through the integrated use of conventional handicraft techniques, modern technologies and pop iconography. Wilson’s style fuses influences from the Arts & Crafts and Decorative movements with modern and pop artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol. Stemming from a background in embroidery design and technology, Wilson creates and digitizes designs that are then machine-embroidered and finished with mixed-media hand processes including found-object assemblage and painting. 

Stephen is world renowned for his signature bespoke chic designs using sustainable materials. Each art piece embarks on a journey, starting with an up-cycled luxury bag, box, silk scarf, or album. Wilson first creates an embroidery design, delicately intertwining every stitch by hand. Once the design, colors, and elements are selected, the artistic process advances to the technological assembly stage.  Stephen uses over 30 different types of embroidery machines, including commercial large format embroidery machines, yarn embroidery machines and laser cutting embroidery machines. He also uses 3D printers and laser cutters. The boxes, bags and albums undergo a total transformation into compelling canvases for Wilson's creations. The embroidery is seamlessly integrated into the chosen medium, unveiling a captivating texture that breathes life into the artwork. 

The album series begins with a vintage album sleeve, sourced by Stephen, and serves as the foundation for intricate designs created with a variety of techniques such as yarn embroidery and photorealistic embroidery. Each album is carefully embroidered with over 200,000 stitches, directly through the actual album sleeve, taking more than 8 hours to complete. Each of the albums are created as unique variations in editions of 8 with 1 artist proof. This series marries a narrative of  art, music and fashion. Upon completion, the album is adorned with embroidered patches and other decorative objects, making each one truly unique. Ultimately, each embroidered album is encased in a perfectly contemporary acrylic box.