Lucia Engstrom *Dafnes Song*, 2023, Hand Embroidered with Organic Wool, Silk and Mohair; Cotton Rag Paper, Courtesy of Von Lintel Gallery and Lucia Engstrom

Written by Madeline Lerner

Photo Edited by Kelly Woodyard

This spring, we have the rare opportunity to appreciate a one-of-a-kind approach to photography. In her show Lovers & Dreamers, photographer Lucia Engstrom combines organic yarn and photography, transporting us into new worlds where life is a little more magical. Engstrom skillfully transforms tufts of organic yarn into vibrant brushstrokes and imbues her embroidery with the textures of nature. The interplay of yarn and photography in her creations introduces a second layer to the pieces, unveiling a novel and both literal and figurative third dimension. Through her poetic, bright imagery, she eloquently expresses her adoration of the natural environment, and we find ourselves completely immersed in this alternate realm.

Lucia Engstrom, *Mirage*, 2023, Hand Embroidered with Organic Wool, Silk and Mohair; Cotton Rag Paper, Courtesy of Von Lintel Gallery and Lucia Engstrom

By incorporating organic material in different forms, each piece is completely unique. In her image “Mirage,” among the rocky islands in a still body of water, dancing tufts of white yarn float just above the surface. They are so thinly wound that upon first glance, they don’t stand out as the subject of the photograph. That, however, is the particular mastery of this piece. The pale tufts behave as ghosts, drifting above the water and existing in a realm that hovers between mirroring the sky and possessing a distinct identity of their own. Also upon closer examination, intricate embroidery graces the edges of the bush on the islands. Engstrom's skillful needlework elevates the natural texture of the foliage, introducing varied layers that a two-dimensional photograph could never render.

Lucia Engstrom, *Cumulus*, 2023, Hand Embroidered with Organic Wool, Silk and Mohair; Cotton Rag Paper, Courtesy of Von Lintel and Lucia Engstrom

Whereas in some images Engstrom’s embroidery is a more subtle detail, in “Cumulus,” the yarn emerges as the striking centerpiece. The image depicts an imposing yet feathery canopy of dark and light blues. She layers tufts of wool, silk, and mohair on top of the sky captured in a photograph of the beach. The expansive clouds roll and churn above the ocean, resembling a tumultuous sea of their own. Almost alive, the clouds meander beyond the image and onto the white border.

Lucia Engstrom, *Glass Horizon*, 2023, Hand Embroidered with Organic Wool, Silk and Mohair; Cotton Rag Paper, Courtesy of Von Lintel and Lucia Engstrom

In most pieces, the embroidery or tufts of yarn attract your eye as the subject of the piece. For many of these, the photograph serves to enhance the intricacies of the string-work, contrasting with others where that relationship is otherwise reversed. In “Glass Horizon,” Engstrom superimposes yarn on an unfocused photograph of a beach. The composition results in an optical illusionary effect that plays with depth perception. The photograph’s soft focus, combined with the textured, clear yet fuzzy appearance of the foreground yarn, contributes to the visual intrigue. It’s an interesting exchange about what is the true subject— or literal focus— of the image. Whereas in other images the yarn was a supportive addition, in this, the yarn acts as the clear focus of the lens. This sensation is heightened even more in images like “Home: Blue/Yellow,” where her hand embroidered trees introduce a new dimension of visuality.

Lucia Engstrom, *Home: Blue/Yellow*, 2023, Hand Embroidered with Organic Wool, Silk and Mohair; Cotton Rag Paper, Courtesy of Von Lintel and Lucia Engstrom

We are lucky to get a peek into the colorful, imaginative mind of Lucia Engstrom. If you need an escape from reality this spring, make a plan to visit Von Lintel Gallery.

See Lovers & Dreamers at Von Lintel Gallery in Los Angeles through March 23rd, 2024.