Alcyoneum Insula

Created as part of a Master of Arts in Contemporary Embroidery, Alcyoneum Insula (Coral Island) is an ambitious, sculptural neckpiece that brings the vibrancy of coral reefs into bold, wearable form.

Embroidered on a base of 100% wool felt, the piece is rich with textural, three-dimensional elements that echo the complex architecture of reef ecosystems. From felted wool balls to encrusted beadwork, every element is a tactile celebration of the sea’s wild creativity. Alcyoneum Insula is stitched with intuitive freedom, its composition forming organically — much like coral itself — with playful intricacy and spontaneous rhythm.

Nestled throughout the reef-like textures are pools of epoxy resin, coloured with mica powders to evoke the shimmer of sunlit water. These resin inserts create striking moments of stillness within the energetic reefscape, offering a visual and sensory contrast — calm seas beside bursting life.

Using a palette of bold colours and luminous embellishments, the piece features silk threads, Japanese thread, sequins, Swarovski crystals, pearl purl, rough and smooth purl, and seed beads. Together, these materials create a rich symphony of light, colour, and form — a reef alive with movement and story.

Alcyoneum Insula is more than adornment — it is an embodied artwork. Worn close to the skin, it becomes both shield and song, a coral crown that speaks of nature’s splendour, textile innovation, and the power of intuitive making.