Tangled ravel of thread

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.

Tangled ravel of thread

Eu sou uma artesã, passei muito tempo executando com muito capricho peças e itens desenvolvidos a partir de pedidos, referências, moldes e padrões ja existentes.

Ser artista não cabia em mim, criar, rabiscar, desenhar ou desenvolver uma idéia minha não era orgânico, espontâneo, muito menos fácil.

Continua não sendo.

Muitas referências, muito olhar, muita gentileza comigo e muitos conflitos internos depois eu me permiti usar tudo que tenho na minha cabeça, as cores, as formas, a imperfeição, o lúdico, o desorganizado ( mais ou menos), o livre, o místico e os símbolos sairem.

Todas as cores que eu não uso, não visto, não exagero em mim estão saindo ali nos vermelhos vibrantes, no dourado brilhante, no verde bandeira.

A mistura de referências, de símbolos, de crenças, até é algo que aplico na vida faz tempo, com um pouco de cada coisa eu expresso o que faz sentido pra mim.

Sou apaixonada pelos corações, os anatômicos, os sagrados, os desenhados, os gordinhos, os tortos, os fininhos. Os olhos, ramos, folhas e flores são definitivamente os complementos fiéis.

O que tem por fora de mim vocês já conhecem, isso aqui é o que tem dentro.


Beijo Mafê


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

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

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

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

I It symbolises the power of healing touch and the transformative energy of love.

Righteous hand

Dimensions: 27 x 37cm

Year: 2022/2023

Recycled Linen, 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

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, cotton thread, and glass beads

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 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

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

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

It serves as a tribute to the beauty and power of nature, urging us to honor and protect our planet as we would a beloved monarch.

Queen Mother - Nature

Dimensions: 27 x 37 cm

Year: 2022/2023

Recycled Linen, cotton thread, and glass beads

Latest work

red strings

Dimensions: 25 x 25 cm

Year: 2022/2023

Cotton Canvas framed on wood

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.

Tangled ravel of thread

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

Some past work

Some past work

Some past work

Some past work

Some past work

Prints

Kit com 6 Postais Assinados

Edição Limitada apenas 6 tiragens

Impressão em Papel Premiun 250gm Satinado

**Brazil sales only

Bubble Chat Icon

R$120,00 no PIX

Envio/frete Grátis :-)

Prints

Posters Tamanho A4

Edição Limitada apenas 8 tiragens cada

Equilibrium

Eyes from Fire

Frida

Golden Seed

Harvest

Lovers

Impressão em Papel Premiun 250gm Satinado

**Brazil sales only

Bubble Chat Icon

R$120,00 cada no PIX

Envio/frete Grátis :-)