Wings of freedom
Wings of Freedom
An exploration of material, illusion, and form
Wings of Freedom was inspired by a butterfly motif created by one of the participants during the Stitching and B**ing workshop series. What began as a small spark of inspiration soon evolved into a larger experiment combining my fascination with optical illusions and my love for working with metallic materials.
I’ve always been drawn to exploring and manipulating materials—particularly metallic zaris, sequins, and beads. The journey for this piece began with the circular drawing technique, which I initially sampled using cotton threads and an aari hook. I was intrigued by the illusion it created when filled within geometric shapes—it was structured yet visually playful. Though I’m not usually drawn to pure abstraction, I enjoy incorporating traditional motifs and reimagining them with a contemporary twist.
While experimenting with a winter palette during the workshop, I applied the circular drawing method using the aari technique. What struck me most was not just the visual illusion it created on the front, but the tactile texture on the reverse side—it had a surprising sculptural quality. That textural richness led me to extend the technique further, this time using metallic threads, sequins, and beads.
And thus, Wings of Freedom came to life—an interplay of technique, material, and transformation. The piece resonated strongly with viewers and became an instant hit, affirming the power of experimentation and intuitive design.
– Priyaguna
