In our series of showcasing artists who use crochet, we want to highlight the awe-inspiring fiber artist Emily Barletta. With a portfolio filled with stunning crochet sculptures, Emily shows a range of skills from crochet to clay sculptures, to embroidery, and more.
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Emily Barletta received her BFA in Fiber Arts in 2003 from The Maryland Institute College of Art and is now a Brooklyn-based artist.
Having her first solo show in 2007, Emily has had numerous group shows. In 2009, she won the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellow in Crafts award, and in 2011, she won the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant.
You can find Emily’s most recent work on her Instagram page, and her prints are available for purchase at the Blue Print Gallery based in Austin, TX.
Here is a look at Emily’s work from across the years, with a focus on her crochet sculptures.
Table of Contents
1. Flesh Spot
Flesh Spot
So much of Emily's work is free-form art done in bright hues of reds and pinks. Her sculptures are unique and bring the viewers eyes in with the vibrant colors and thought provoking shapes.
2. Pelt
Pelt
Much of Emily's art is inspired by nature and the world she experiences around her. Both of these exhibits, Pelt and Flesh Spot, bring images of coral reef's to mind.
3. Yarn and Clay
Yarn and Clay
Emily has always shown a keen interest in mixing mediums within her work. This piece incorporates clay and crochet to make a vibrant and bold art sculpture.
4. Untitled 53
Untitled 53
Emily does a lot of work with embrodiery on canvas and paper, and often these pieces are inspired by her own crochet work. In a caption on Instagram, Emily explains that the close up pictures taken of her crochet sculptures is what she wants to capture with her needle work.
5. Untitled 79
Untitled 79
Other times, Emily's needlework bring to life it's own story. I love the way this piece uses so many elements to tell its story – soft round edges combined with rigid stripes and needle work.
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6. Mary 8
Mary 8
In more recent years, Emily brought her crochet art back combining it with images and sculptures of the Virgin Mary. Emily explains that although she is not religious, Mary always felt like a protective spirit of goodness and love.
7. Untitled 256
Untitled 256
Mary is seen in all mediums of Emily's work, including her embroidery on paper.
8. Untitled 126
Untitled 126
We do see a divergence from her typical vibrant red and pink hues to see beautiful rainbows of thread and yarn used to make kaleidoscope-like pieces such as this.
9. Untitled 194
Untitled 194
Emily continues to used mixed media throughout her career. This piece is done with clay, yarn and thread, combined to make this gorgeous coral like sculpture.
10. Untitled 383
Untitled 383
In 2019 Emily became disabled and shares openly about this shift and how it has impacted her ability and desire to create.
Her work shifted to more detailed embroidery work that incorporates uplifting messaging and a look at the human experience.
Emily's art career and continued current work is breathtaking and inspiring in so many ways. Her continued persistence and commitment to joy in the face of hardships is captured in every piece she puts out.
Wow, amazing and wonderful use of color. I have seen a lot of free form that just seems to use too much color. You have an eye for balance and a more nature inspired palette. Love you work!
@Heather – I love Emily’s work too for sure!
Very impressed with the smooth organic flow of the works. Looks like it could be alive.
Wow! Emily’s work really showcases crochet’s potential. I love it!