Panther Chameleon. 2023 Embroidered Collage

This piece was created as a commission for a client. They requested a panther chameleon and asked that I incorporate a #D element to create the illusion of a tongue catching a fly. This piece measures 10" in diameter and has over 1000 stitches.

Creating this 3D element was challenging and took a few trial runs. I used a large gauge wire folded in half, making sure to leave a loop at the end with the fly attachment. I twisted the wire together, making sure to leave a loop at one end and tightly wound embroidery thread around the wire in several layers. Once finished coating the wire with embroider thread, I secured the 3D element to the piece with embroidery stitching and glue.