Small Talks: Darci Lenker

Darci Lenker is an embroidery artist who creates vibrant paintings with just a needle and thread! Based in Norman, Oklahoma, Lenker’s work spans miniatures and dolls, in a playful intersection of two-dimensional drawing and three-dimensional materials. Last summer, Darci designed her own Roy Lichtenstein-inspired duck statue as part of the Samo Ducky Project. In 2018, Lenker was awarded a grant for her embroidery series, “Tiny Masterpieces,” from the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, among many other exhibitions and accolades. You can check out more of Darci’s wonderfully tiny fiber art on her Instagram and Facebook.

On Tuesday, April 20, 2PM EST, Lenker will lead a class on embroidery as part of our Small Talks series.

I was hoping to begin with your 2012 sketchbook, “A Day At The Park.” What was the process like creating this multi-panel ‘book’ entirely out of fabric? 

For my sketchbook, I wanted to make a sort of flip-book that gradually changed to show a scene. I had my kids pose so I could use them as models, then sketched out a zombie attack. It was a fun project.

Was this your first time making an embroidered book? Or was it part of a bigger project or an experiment?

This was my first time making an embroidered book. I'd love to do another one since my work has evolved a lot since then.

Do you use a sketchbook in your daily practice? Do you prefer to sketch out your embroidery paintings or do you ‘sketch’ freehand with thread?

I don't keep a daily sketchbook, although I've started one many times. I mainly keep a sketchbook for ideas when I think of them. I usually sketch out my embroidery before I stitch them, sometimes with a transfer method and sometimes I sketch them with thread onto my fabric. I do this mainly to keep things in the proper place, because once I start stitching it can get a little hard to keep track of.

When did you begin to sew? Were you always drawn to fiber arts or did it become your medium of choice?

I started sewing when I was a little kid, but didn't realize fiber arts were a thing until college. I got my BFA in a Formation Arts program, focusing on fiber. I started embroidering then, but it was never the main focus. It was usually part of embellishing on felted items. I started a 365-day project in late 2015 where I embroidered a one-inch circle every day. I fell in love with both embroidery as a medium and working in miniature. I love the challenge of getting as much detail as possible into such a small space.

You often work on miniatures. What has the process been like working on a smaller scale? Did you find you had to learn new techniques or that it posed challenges when you first began experimenting?

Working in such a small scale is challenging in different ways. The time involved is sometimes just as much as working on a larger piece. I usually find my biggest challenge is having to be really careful about my choices because I don't have the space to keep adding thread before my fingers can't get anymore through. Like everything, you have to practice and figure out what works for you and your technique.

Could you describe what your workspace looks like? Are there any projects you’re working on currently?

My studio is a large room in my house, but it's gotten pretty ignored during the pandemic for the couch. I recently cleaned and reorganized it, so I'm hoping it'll get more use now. I have a couple of tables set up so I can spread out, a lot of storage, and big windows with two looms waiting to be used. I haven't woven in enough years that I need help remembering how to get started, so I plan to take a class in that as soon as it's safe to do so.

I'm currently working on a pet portrait commission. I am teaching a class and taking two this month, so I probably won't take on too much until those are finished.

Many of your works are images taken from across art history. Who are some artists, past and present, who inspire you and influence your work?

I find inspiration everywhere. I did a show a couple of years ago of miniature masterpieces of art throughout history. I appreciate most art, but my favorites are usually far from my style, like modern art or sculpture. My favorite painter is Rothko, but I haven't done any of his works yet. I love the way he blended colors together to make it seem like you could feel them vibrating.

You recently taught an online course in experimental embroidery. How do you define ‘experimental’?

I'm teaching a class in experimental embroidery right now! The idea is to use nontraditional materials to stitch on or with, like metal, wire, paper, plastic. I'm hoping it'll lead to some really creative ideas for my students.

Are there any art materials that are essential to your practice?

The items essential to my art are good fabric, usually a mid-weight linen, a hoop with a gripping lip, a thin, sharp needle, and embroidery floss.

Do you have any advice for those looking to branch out into embroidery?

My advice to people wanting to try embroidery is to just do it! Don't be afraid to try things and find what you like to do. There are so many different styles, materials, stitches, and possibilities. If you don't like one, you might find another you love, so don't give up! And if you hate something or make a mistake, it's just thread. Don't be afraid to try it again. A lot of embroidery is learning how to do different techniques that may need a lot of practice before they come easily to you.

How can people support your work?

People can support my work by buying things already finished from me or commissioning something of their choosing.