Stephen Wilson Luxury

“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 Wilson 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. 

For the “Luxury” line series the number one question Stephen receives when making appearances is “Where do you find all of these boxes?” When people purchase luxury items, they are typically packaged in a beautiful box. Usually, these boxes are thrown away or put into storage somewhere, remaining unused. Stephen brilliantly turns these throw away gorgeous materials into art. Boxes and bags are carefully selected for each artwork and sourced from all over the world: donations from clients and friends, auction sales, estate sales and more. Every piece of fabric used in the pieces is also from luxury materials, whether that be a luxury scarf, article of clothing or packaging material. Stephen  spends time every day sourcing boxes, scarves and luxury materials to use in the work. Appliqués, patches, and butterflies are individually stitched out, meticulously crafted, and delicately placed on each piece, culminating in a truly distinctive and totally unique, sustainable creation.