Freja Malle Høyer

“What can I do with this material?” Is a question that I, Freja Malle Høyer - hand embroidery artist, designer and educator, often ask myself. I am a sustainable material-led maker, who works with alternative materials sourced from nature, charity and deadstock supplies. My practice is expressive and experimental, characterised by large mark-making stitches and the incorporation of playful interactive tangible and tactile elements. As part of my practice, I have facilitated socially engaged embroidery workshops exploring mental wellbeing, drawing on experience across fashion, interiors, installation, teaching and community practice. My work is deeply influenced by the Danish coastline, where I grew up, drawing on the textures, colours, and material qualities of the sea. A vision for a greener future, is presented in my environmentally responsible embroidery pieces that integrate materials such as human hair, seashells, and reclaimed jewellery. “When I work with textiles, I feel it in my heart. And that is, what is most important: The process itself. I channel my inner restlessness through making, which leads to abstract, lively and expressive pieces. “ I served as artist leader for "The Easter Chausuble – a community project between The Danish Church in London, The Danish YWCA and Hand Embroiderer Freja Malle Høyer". For this project, I was responsible for the chasuble-design, the development of embroidery samples, and the overall coordination, including budgeting, funding applications and the recruitment of a seamstress, press, and twelve embroiderers. Through its making, the chasuble acted as a socially interactive artwork, inviting members of the community to participate directly in the creation of the piece. It is now being used by The Danish Church in London. The chasuble consists of deadstock natural fibers (silk organza, silks, wool & cotton). Through three years of sustained perseverance, I successfully secured financial support from a range of bursaries to fund my tuition for the BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery programme at the Royal School of Needlework under Kingston University. Alongside my projects as a hand embroidery artist, I have worked with luxury fashion and interior brands, including Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen, and collaborated with recognised artists such as Ruben Montini and Susan Aldworth.