You will be mesmerized by Elen Danielle’s elegant and intricate handcrafted gold and silk embroidered creations.

If you pick one up, you will notice that each piece bears an amazing amount of detail yet are still feather-light. Each handmade item is one-of-a-kind, and takes days, sometimes to create a full batch of brooches. Inspiration comes from the vast natural world, resulting in beautiful nature-inspired pieces like graceful butterflies, blooming florals, and whimsical pieces like a planet with a golden orbit.

The pieces are set upon a white or black background, with dazzling gold details embroidered onto each piece for a timeless, elegant look, consistent with Elen Danielle’s ‘slow living’ design principle.

We had the pleasure of conversing with the artist to find out more about her career, vision, and design process.

ED: Elen Danielle

What initially sparked your interest in becoming an artist?

ED: I grew up steeped in nature on the West Coast of Canada. The wild and pristine environment instilled in me a devotion to natural beauty, spirituality, and preservation - and the desire to create physical manifestations of these values to share with others. I have discovered many things over the years I've spent pouring myself into art. Creating has been a reciprocal nurturing process that drives me to invent and adapt until I am left with a tangible memory of the lessons learned along the way. In this cycle, I have found endless inspiration and true relief from trauma and suffering, both personal and worldly. 

Share with us how you got to where you are today. Were there any special people, events, experiences?

ED: In my final years of study at Emily Carr University, I focused on sustainability and the challenge of applying it to my interests in the fashion industry. I went on to work for a couple of local brands gaining hands-on experience in responsible production methods resulting in zero-waste "slow fashion". Devoted to these ethos and natural propensity for entrepreneurship I began my own practice in 2018. Using old-world techniques my interpretation of goldwork embroidery is a spin-off from tradition to create wearable works of art. 

How long have you been doing what you do?

ED: I have been specializing in hand embroidery for the last two and a half years. 

Has your style evolved? What were some key inflection or learning points in your career?

ED: My style is ever-changing - I view style as another creative outlet with endless potential for self-expression. I am always growing, learning, and changing and so is my style. 

Did you test out different art mediums before arriving at silk and gold embroidery as your signature?

ED: For the majority of my creative career, I have been a textile-based artist. I have always loved working with silk so when I began to explore goldwork embroidery incorporating silk thread and fabrics was a natural pairing. 

In the fashion realm, everyone is chasing the latest and greatest styles, what spurred you to focus on slow fashion?

ED: There is a very small point where art, fashion, and environmentalism intersect, which is where I'd like my work to be. It's important to me to know where the things in my life come from, how they are made, by whom and what from. My intention as a creative person has always been to make long-lasting hand made goods with the best quality natural materials. 

How do the items you create embody the concept of slow fashion?

ED: Every step in the process of my practice is slow. Drawing, painting, cutting and stitching are all done by hand with no remnants going unused. Every material used is sourced from nature and will one day be able to return to the earth where it came from.  All of the pieces created are made solely by myself. 

Given that each piece is handmade and the designs are intricate, how long does it take to create a single item?

ED: There is a lot of love and intention poured into every embroidered piece I make! Generally, I work on a series of pieces at the same time, usually 10-20 brooches in one batch. Depending on the intricacy of the series some sets take several days to a few weeks to complete. 

What has been the most memorable piece that you have created?

ED: The most rewarding and memorable moments are when I collaborate with a client. Each piece I create is a talisman, with dutiful storytelling in stitches with the power to heal, move beyond, or preserve meaning in this fast paced world. I am very grateful to be able to share the healing powers of art therapy with those who have invited me into their lives. 

What is something you have yet to try that you are excited about and looking forward to trying?

ED: A collaboration with another artist, brand or shop! 

We want to thank Elen Danielle for taking the time to share the inspiration and vision behind her work with us. If you are like us and are captivated by her unique designed pieces, find out more about Elen Danielle’s work and latest creations by following her on Instagram or visit her website.

Photos courtesy of Elen Danielle