embroidery art by
Mafe Bastos
EMBROIDERY ARTIST
After eight years of practising embroidery, I have become skilled in this art form. As an artist, I have learned that creating artwork requires a delicate balance between my creative vision and self-criticism. Despite the challenges, I have developed a deep appreciation for the embroidery process, which has taught me about the world and helped me learn more about myself.
My Canvas
About Hearts and ​Symbols
I love creating sacred, mystical, and spirituous designs, with a particular emphasis on hearts. I bring to life the beauty and depth of these powerful symbols. Each stitch is carefully crafted to express the spiritual essence of the heart and other mystical elements. My work evokes a sense of wonder and awe, inviting the viewer to connect with these sacred symbols on a deeper level.
Featured in "Talents to Watch" by Saatchi Art /July 2023
Featured in "Ones to Watch" by Artfinder /Summer 2023
Latest work
It represents the deep connection between two people and the transformative power of love.
lovers
Dimensions: 29 x 40 cm
Year: 2022/2023
Recycled fabric, cotton thread, and glass beads
Latest work
"Spark of Life" is a captivating artwork ​featuring a heart embroidery crafted ​with beige thread on raw cotton ​canvas. The monochromatic color ​scheme creates a sense of simplicity ​and rawness. Adorned with a crown of ​twigs, with a 3D effect, symbolizing the ​connection between nature and the ​human spirit, the artwork also ​incorporates matches as a metaphor ​for the transformative power of small ​sparks. This piece reminds us that even ​in the most bland or ordinary ​moments, a little spark is all it takes to ​ignite and illuminate our lives.
SPARK OF LIFE
Dimensions: 20 x 20 cm
Year: 2022/2023
Recycled fabric e cotton thread.
Latest work
This piece is a reflection of the passionate and vulnerable spirit that made her an icon. It captures both the pain and strength of a woman who defied convention and embraced her true self.
Frida
Dimensions: 35 x 40 cm
Year: 2022/2023
Recycled Cotton, organic cotton printed, and cotton thread. Mixed Media art.
Latest work
PIERCING PASSION
Dimensions: 20 x 20cm
Year: 2022/2023
Organic-cotton and cotton thread.
"Piercing Passion" is a striking piece of art that ​features heart embroidery rendered in vibrant ​shades of bright red. The heart, meticulously ​crafted in relief, emerges from the canvas with ​a three-dimensional effect, commanding ​attention and evoking a sense of intensity.
What sets this artwork apart is the addition of a ​real wooden arrow, skillfully aimed at the bull's ​eye spot positioned right at the bottom of the ​heart. The arrow pierces through the fabric, ​creating a visual metaphor for the powerful and ​sometimes painful nature of love and passion.
The bright red colors symbolize the fiery ​emotions and fervent desires that reside within ​the heart. The juxtaposition of the delicate ​embroidery and the boldness of the arrow ​creates a captivating contrast, representing the ​paradoxical nature of human emotions.
Latest work
colors of the heart
"Colors of the Heart" is a captivating mixed-media 3D art piece that explores the complexities of human emotions through vibrant colors. This artwork invites viewers on an introspective journey, reflecting the dynamic nature of our emotional landscape, and reminding us of the vivid symphony of colors that shape our lives.
We carry within us the spectrum of emotions, from the gentle caress of hope to the thunderous storm of passion. Let us embrace our diversity, for it is in our collective hues that we find strength, unity, and the beauty of our shared human experience. Together, we illuminate the world with our vibrant colors, painting a masterpiece of love, empathy, and everlasting connection."
Dimensions: 30 x 40cm
Year: 2022/2023
Organic-cotton, cotton thread, and glass beads and wire.
Latest work
Textures in white
Dimensions: 25 x 30cm
Year: 2022/2023
Organic-Linen, cotton thread, and glass beads
The color white evokes feelings of purity, peace, and simplicity, touching the heart with its serene beauty. It can symbolize innocence and spirituality, while also representing neutrality and detachment. However, it may be perceived as cold or sterile by some. Overall, white carries a range of emotions that can deeply resonate within the heart, from calmness and purity to a sense of emptiness.
Latest work
It symbolises the union of masculine and feminine energies, the balance of light and shadow, and the power of transformation.
Celebration - Marriage of the sun and the moon
Dimensions: 34 x 41 cm
Year: 2022/2023
Organic Cotton and cotton thread
Latest work
It represents the connection between the heart and nature, and the importance of listening to our inner wisdom.
Harvest
Dimensions: 27 x 37 cm
Year: 2022/2023
Recycled Cotton and cotton thread,
Latest work
It symbolises the beauty and fragility of life, the power of self-discovery, and the transformative effects of the natural world. The delicate balance between creation and destruction.
eyes from fire
Dimensions: 34 x 41 cm
Year: 2022/2023
Recycled Linen, cotton thread, and glass ​beads
Latest work
It symbolises the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and the power of love to anchor us through life's challenges. The intricate embroidery captures the beauty and complexity of nature's cycles.
golden seed
Dimensions: 27 x 37cm
Year: 2022/2023
Organic Cotton, cotton thread, and glass beads
Latest work
It symbolises the harmony between creative expression and instinctual energy, and the transformative power of music.
equilibrium
Dimensions: 28 x 38 cm
Year: 2022/2023
Recycled Cotton, cotton thread, and glass beads
Latest work
WEED
Dimensions: 28 x 38 cm
Year: 2022/2023
Recycled linen, cotton thread.
WEED
noun
: a plant that is not valued where it is ​growing and is usually of vigorous growth
especially: one that tends to overgrow or ​choke out more desirable plants
: a weedy growth of plants
This embroidery is my version of a detail ​extracted from a painting by Francesco del ​Cossa (c. 1430 – c. 1477) named "Saint ​Lucy""
Francesco del Cossa (c. 1430 – c. 1477) was ​an Italian Renaissance painter of the School ​of Ferrara who after 1470 worked in ​Bologna. Cossa is best known for his ​frescoes, especially his collaboration with ​Cosimo Tura on a cycle of the months in the ​Palazzo Schifanoia of the Este family, rulers ​of Ferrara. Otherwise, his paintings are ​mostly of religious subjects, with some ​portraits and drawings attributed to him.
Latest work
SAUDADE
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
"Saudade" is a Portuguese word that doesn't ​have a direct equivalent in many other ​languages. It is often described as a deep ​emotional state of nostalgic or profound ​longing for an absent something or someone ​that one loves. Saudade is a complex mix of ​emotions, encompassing feelings of love, ​loss, and yearning.
This mixed-media artwork combines lino ​printing and embroidery techniques. ​Linoleum blocks are intricately carved and ​printed, providing a textured base. Delicate ​embroidery threads intertwine with the ​printed elements, adding depth and tactile ​richness. The fusion of precise lino printing ​and soft embroidery creates a visually ​compelling and harmonious composition, ​inviting viewers to engage both visually and ​tactically.
The language is Portuguese and the ​translation is: "Saudade is an island that lives ​alone within us".
Soft (yarn, Cotton, Fabric), Water based ​paint.
Latest work
ROOTS
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
Soft (yarn, Cotton, Fabric), Water based ​paint.
This mixed-media artwork combines lino ​printing and embroidery techniques. ​Linoleum blocks are intricately carved and ​printed, providing a textured base. Delicate ​embroidery threads intertwine with the ​printed elements, adding depth and tactile ​richness. The fusion of precise lino printing ​and soft embroidery creates a visually ​compelling and harmonious composition, ​inviting viewers to engage both visually ​and tactically.
The language is Portuguese and the ​translation is: "I am a root growing out of ​the earth".
Latest work
STRUGLE
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
Soft (yarn, Cotton, Fabric), Water based ​paint.
This mixed-media artwork combines lino ​printing and embroidery techniques. ​Linoleum blocks are intricately carved and ​printed, providing a textured base. Delicate ​embroidery threads intertwine with the ​printed elements, adding depth and tactile ​richness. The fusion of precise lino printing ​and soft embroidery creates a visually ​compelling and harmonious composition, ​inviting viewers to engage both visually ​and tactically.
The language is Portuguese and the ​translation is: "You can't say everything ​with your heart in your mouth".
Latest work
This mixed-media artwork combines lino ​printing and embroidery techniques. ​Linoleum blocks are intricately carved and ​printed, providing a textured base. Delicate ​embroidery threads intertwine with the ​printed elements, adding depth and tactile ​richness. The fusion of precise lino printing ​and soft embroidery creates a visually ​compelling and harmonious composition, ​inviting viewers to engage both visually ​and tactically.
The language is Portuguese and the ​translation is: "Crying is the liquid words".
LIQUID WORDS
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
Soft (yarn, Cotton, Fabric), Water based ​paint.
Latest work
This mixed-media artwork combines lino ​printing and embroidery techniques. ​Linoleum blocks are intricately carved and ​printed, providing a textured base. Delicate ​embroidery threads intertwine with the ​printed elements, adding depth and tactile ​richness. The fusion of precise lino printing ​and soft embroidery creates a visually ​compelling and harmonious composition, ​inviting viewers to engage both visually ​and tactically.
The language is Portuguese and the ​translation is: "Crying is the liquid words".
your destiny
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
Recycled cotton, cotton thread, and glass ​beads
Latest work
This mixed-media artwork combines lino ​printing and embroidery techniques. ​Linoleum blocks are intricately carved and ​printed, providing a textured base. Delicate ​embroidery threads intertwine with the ​printed elements, adding depth and tactile ​richness. The fusion of precise lino printing ​and soft embroidery creates a visually ​compelling and harmonious composition, ​inviting viewers to engage both visually ​and tactically.
The language is Portuguese and the ​translation is: "Crying is the liquid words".
your destiny
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
Recycled cotton and cotton thread.
Latest work
eat your vegetables
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
Recycled linen and cotton thread.
In the swift stroke of a blade, the ​heart is severed from its ​moorings, releasing a torrent of ​crimson life. Yet, in this sacrifice, ​there blooms a tale of resilience, ​for from the cleaved depths ​arises a spirit undaunted. Each ​beat, now liberated, pulses with ​the strength of newfound ​freedom, a testament to the ​enduring vitality that thrives ​beyond the confines of flesh.
Latest work
cut
Dimensions: 31 x 34 cm
Year: 2024
Recycled linen and cotton thread.
In the swift stroke of a blade, the ​heart is severed from its ​moorings, releasing a torrent of ​crimson life. Yet, in this sacrifice, ​there blooms a tale of resilience, ​for from the cleaved depths ​arises a spirit undaunted. Each ​beat, now liberated, pulses with ​the strength of newfound ​freedom, a testament to the ​enduring vitality that thrives ​beyond the confines of flesh.
Latest work
protection
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
Recycled linen and cotton thread.
In the mystical dance of ​protection, the eyes, seers of ​hidden truths, join forces with ​the hands, skilled guardians ​weaving an unseen shield. ​Together, they form a potent ​alliance, a silent pact between ​the known and the mysterious, ​unveiling the secrets that linger ​in the mystical mist.
Latest work
X-RAY
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
Recycled linen and cotton thread.
A heart with the mind's essence ​beats in rhythmic harmony, ​weaving empathy and intellect ​into a tapestry of understanding. ​In this extraordinary fusion, ​emotions and reason intertwine, ​creating a unique symphony of ​compassionate intelligence.
Latest work
THE EYES OF MY HEART
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
Recycled cotton, cotton thread, and glass ​beads
In this 3D embroidery creation, a ​heart takes the focal point, ​housing a striking green eye at ​its core, while above it, flames ​dance with a fierce intensity. ​Wrapped around the heart is a ​sinuous green serpent, signifying ​protection and strength. This art ​piece skillfully harmonizes the ​essence of power, love, ​protection, energy, and strength, ​without a word spoken, evoking ​a profound sense of ​interconnectedness with the ​intricate dance of life's forces, ​much like the symbolism hidden ​in nature's delicate balance ​between creation and ​destruction.
Organic Cotton, cotton thread, ​and glass beads
Latest work
EYUIJA BOARD
Dimensions: 30 x 40 cm
Year: 2024
Recycled cotton, cotton thread, and glass ​beads
The essence of life is emotions; to find someone who shares the same feelings as me is a small yet remarkable miracle.
Commissions
Two slots per month
In order to ensure quality and to be able to give my clients as much attention as possible, I only open two slots for commissions every month.
Timeline
Pricing and timeline will also depend on the difficulty of the commissioned artwork. Feel free to message me for inquiries.
As an artisan, I pour my heart and soul into each and every piece that I create. I take great care in developing unique and truly special items, whether from orders, references, molds, or existing patterns.
Unlike many artists who can create effortlessly, it took me years of introspection and inner turmoil before I was able to embrace my creativity and let it flow freely and fully. But now that I have, I can create works full of color, shape, imperfection, playfulness, and mysticism.
When you look at my pieces, you'll see a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors - reds, golds, and greens that I don't typically wear or use daily. I incorporate a mix of references, symbols, and beliefs into each piece, creating something truly unique and reflective of my personal style.
One of my favorite motifs is the heart - I am drawn to all kinds of hearts, from the anatomical to the sacred, the chubby to the thin. I also incorporate elements of nature into my work, such as branches, leaves, and flowers, which are faithful complements to the other symbols and shapes in my designs.
Each piece that I create is a reflection of what is inside of me - my passions, my beliefs, and my artistic vision. When you check one of my pieces, you are not just checking a beautiful project but a piece of my heart and soul.
Mucho Love, Mafe
