About
Megan is a story-telling hand embroidery and textile artist based in South East England, with a Bachelor of Arts from the Royal School of Needlework.
Their practice is centred around understanding their lived experiences and creating a space to express themselves fully. Megan‘s interest in these areas stems from their late diagnosis’ of autism and ADHD at the age of 22, and the impact this had on their sense of self, as well as how they interacted with and understood life around them.
Whilst the subjects and narratives of works can be difficult, that’s where the artist has found hand embroidery and textiles to lend themselves so comfortably. Every aspect of life can be translated through stitch, and with the use of vibrant colours, a variety of textures, and a naive style, the artist is able to gain an understanding and offer this perspective to the viewer.
They view their self-expression lead practice as a radical act of defiance against their upbringing and societal norms.
Megan would like to encourage the viewer to stop and reflect on their own sense of self and how they interact with the world around them.
CV
Megan Ellis
Based in the South East, England
Work Experience
Hand Sewing Club Leader, Magpie Makes, 2023
Sewing Machine Assistant Club Leader, Magpie Makes, 2023
Live Projects
Altarpieces in Venice, Ruben Montini, 2024
Part of a team hand embroidering and applying letters, layering fabric and stitching onto compositional formats defined by Montini.
Unexpected & Unconventional, Alexander McQueen, 2023
Following a brief, to create a fashion, textile or interiors piece embodying the title of ‘unexpected and unconventional’ for the client. I created a fashion collection with hand embroidery and fabric samples, as well as photoshop designs.
BELONGINGS! (Formally EXILE: sono oriunda, Susan Aldworth, 2023
Following a brief, to create a design based off of text from the client, to then embroidered onto a supplied garment.
The 3am Room at WOW!House, Maddux Creative, 2023
Needle felting and beading for a site specific installation for WOW!House at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
Reclaim, Ruup and Form and Beatrice Mayfield (for Material Matters), 2022
A site specific installation shown in the Bargehouse, OXO Tower Wharf, London, for Material Matters. I assisted in hand and machine embroidering panels, for artist in residence, Beatrice Mayfield.
Fields of Everywhen, Musson+Retallick, 2022 (ongoing)
Following a brief, to create a hand embroidered depiction of a story provided by the client, to then be upscaled and digitally printed onto a hot air balloon.
The Red Dress Project, Kirstie Macleod, 2022 (ongoing)
Hand embroidering a small personal motif onto the ongoing global collaborative project, highlighting the voices of women.
Exhibitions
New Designers, Week 1, Business Design Centre, July 2024
Royal School of Needlework Degree Show, June 2024
BELONGINGS! (formally EXILE: sono oriunda), Susan Aldworth, 2023
The Hub, Sleaford, 6th May - 2nd July 2023
Awards/Bursaries
Victoria Adams Award, 2023-24
Education & Training
BA Hons Hand Embroidery, Royal School of Needlework, 2024