Meet the crafter: Owen Kelly aka Slavetothestitch | #LRCrafts - DIY Passion: if you can think it, you can make it
One of the things I love most about “Meet the Maker” is discovering artists who not only master their craft, but also bring a truly personal story into every detail. Today, I am delighted to introduce you to Owen Kelly, better known as Slavetothestitch, an embroiderer living in Ireland whose work is as distinctive as it is deeply reflective.
Owen’s journey with needle and thread began almost as soon as he could hold one. A fifth-generation stitcher, he grew up surrounded by a lineage of needleworkers (his mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and even his father at one point) all of whom passed on skills, encouragement, and a love for the art. Embroidery has been part of his life since childhood, shaping not only his technique but also his identity as an artist. And this deeply resonates with me: I just think about my own child and the day when, just three years old, she asked me to try needle and thread!
In a field often perceived as female-dominated, it’s refreshing to meet a male embroiderer who reminds us that this art form has always been for everyone. Owen embraces that role with humor and candor, describing himself as a “rule breaker” who chooses the path less trodden. His style is instantly recognizable, merging experimentation with influences from Celtic and Norse heritage, medieval manuscripts, 1960s graphic art, graffiti and mythology. The result is embroidery that pulls you in twice: first with its striking visual language, and then with the hidden layers of symbolism and meaning stitched beneath the surface.
In this interview, we’ll learn more about Owen’s inspirations, his creative process overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and the stories behind his remarkable body of work.
The Irish embroidery artist Owen Kelly aka SlavetothestitchFind Owen Kelly online
You can find Owen Kelly, aka Slavetothestitch, on the main social media platforms.
Find more about him and his embroideries on Instagram, Facebook (personal profile), Bluesky. Also explore the Facebook group “World Peace, One World, One People One Stitch at a time”.
Seamus O’Comanssy (official FB page)
Owen Kelly wearing a hat he embroideredHello, Owen, and thank you for sharing your time with us. First of all, a little introduction. Who are you, and how did you begin stitching?
My name is Owen Kelly, aka Slavetothestitch, and I live and work in Ireland. I live in the very far South West of the country where my studio overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by my family and the natural world. These are all very important aspects of my creative process.
I describe myself as a 5th generation stitcher as my mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother all sitiched, and even my father turned his hand to stitching while recovering from TB as a young man
As a man in an art form dominated by women I am often considered a curiosity, I was the youngest of 3 boys and I think my mum had no other option than to show her youngest how to stitch and for that I am forever grateful.
Consequently I have embroidered all my life, my mother told me she remembered giving me my first practice piece at the age of 5 when she discovered me, with needle in hand, trying to stitch into her best table cloth.
That first practice piece was a neighbour’s old grey school skirt. I used it to practice my stitches and later I started stitching motifs from various experiences, like a stitched diary of sorts.
After 50 years of stitching, there was no more room on the skirt, and I now call it my “Memory Skirt” and it has been exhibited at a number of events over the years.
Owen Kelly’s “Memory Skirt”
Owen Kelly’s “Memory Skirt” (the back)
Owen Kelly’s “Memory Skirt” on a lady
Owen Kelly’s “Memory Skirt”, detail
Owen Kelly’s “Memory Skirt”, detail
Owen Kelly and his embroidery journeyYou have a personal and distinctive style. I see it as pretty unique to you. How did you find it?
I have never been formally taught needlework or attended any courses. My mother was mostly a cross stitch and needle pointer. My grandmother, who lived with us all my childhood, had done various types of needlework, but by the time I stitched with her, she also mainly did needlepoint. She showed me the basics of various techniques such as broderie anglaise, cutwork, needlelace, and stitches like satin, stem, and chain. More importantly, she bought me various books on needlework techniques that I loved working from and was very encouraging and supportive of my eforts.
She was very deaf and I spent many hours sat in silence in her company stitching. She would occasionally recount stories to me from her extraordinary life, I consider these treasured moments and memories.
I have often been asked about my “style” and I am happy when people remark that it is distinctive and easy to spot. I think trying to be unique and individual has always been a motivating factor. I have been a “rule breaker” most of my life and often like to think I choose to take the path less trod. My family say I am just awkward and cantankerous, the “Devil’s Advocate,” and a contrarian and they know me best. I think experimentation is the source of creativity and the well of inspiration.
I can see many influences in my work, especially the graphic artists of the 1960s, like Rick Griffin, Mouse & Kelly etc. I love grafiti, cartoons and hand drawn animation. I am also inspired by my own cultural heritage of the celts and the norse and the illuminated manuscripts of medieval history. I love mythologies from all over the world and love to incorporate symbolism and hidden meanings into my work. For some, my work is just pretty stitching, for other, those who have the time to take a closer look, there is more beyond the surface. This type of thing excites and stimulates me. Of course, I like to think there is also room for humour, irony and satire.
Owen Kelly’s embroidered jackets
Owen Kelly’s embroidered jackets
Owen Kelly’s embroidered jackets
“Dream n’ Stitch project” exhibition piece by Owen Kelly. West Cork Arts Centre 17-25th October 2025
“Dream n’ Stitch project” exhibition piece by Owen Kelly. West Cork Arts Centre 17-25th October 2025
“Dream n’ Stitch project” exhibition piece by Owen Kelly. West Cork Arts Centre 17-25th October 2025
What are your current projects and future plans?
Most of my work is commissioned, so it is dependent on my clients, these are mostly “wearable” art projects such as denim jackets, hats etc. I have been planning to do a solo exhibition of my work for some time but as I say the majority of my work is sent off, so it is hard to develop a body of work for an exhibition and with all the administration involved it is very time consuming.
I have a piece due to be exhibited as part of an international embroidery touring exhibition called the Dream’n Stitch Project. It opens at the Kingston Arts Centre in Melbourne Australia in November and is due to go to Boston and Scotland, but I am not sure of dates.
I also have two pieces due to be exhibited as part of the “Palestine Postcard Project,” a fundraiser for UNRWA in association with Swerve Arts Magazine and exhibiting at the Uillin: West Cork Arts Centre 17-25th October 2025.
I have been working on a hand stitched quilt since February 2024 and have just completed my target of 100 panels. I still have to stitch them together which will take me some time, but eventually I hope to have a quilted wall hanging about 4ft x 12ft and my intention is to use this as the centre piece for a traveling exhibition of my work.
Each panel has an accompanying narrative. I consider stroy-telling as an important part of my work. Some of the panels are also ¼ designs for some fabrics that I intend to print out and use to make a number of items; cushions,tote bags and hats.
I still have a lot of threads to tie in, if you’ll pardon the pun, but I hope eventually it will come together. I am also working on an audio-visual project with a producer, which I hope will add another aspect to the exhibition.
Examples of Owen Kelly’s artwork: embroidered quilt
The large quilt by Owen Kelly
Seamus O’Comanssy: Owen Kelly's travelling alter egoOne of my other current projects is my “wee man” Seamus O’Comanssy. Seamus is a 6”stitched man who set out to travel the world on my behalf. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a disability that restricts my physical movement. I used to love to travel but have been unable to do so. Seamus agreed to go in my place. He travels mostly by post and has toured Ireland, the UK, most of Europe, New Zealand and is currently in Australia. He has stayed with so many remarkable individuals, mostly artists, but others as well. You can follow his adventures on his own Facebook Page “Seamus O’Comanssy” and he brings a lot of fun and adventure into my life. He has become quite a celebrity in some places appearing in the newspapers, radio, and podcasts! I have no idea what he’ll get up to next and that is half the fun!
My future plans are many and there again I have no idea. I plan to keep exploring the world of stitch, I may or may not complete a book I’ve been writing, I will certainly carry on with my social media, I have built up what I like to think of as a caring and creative community on my personal Facebook page, I have my Instagram and last year I joined Bluesky.
I am regularly asked to contribute to exhibitions and I am currently experimenting with “Stitched Sculptures,” I am in a very privileged position where I can pick and choose what I feel like doing and enough people buy my work so I can afford to keep going with what I love doing.
I think we live in very tumultuous and turbulent times, there is so much ugliness, fear, hate and destruction in the world, I see my job as an artist to try to reflect beauty, love and compassion through my creations. I maybe just one small voice, but we can only do what we can do.
It would be remiss of me not to mention that I am also an Ambassador for the “World Peace, One World, One People, One Stitch at a time” organisation, headed up by Ann Bauden. It is a wonderful charity project based in the US trying to bring together people through our mutual love of stitch. They hope eventually to have a traveling exhibition of all the work provided by their members from all over the world, and if you are interested in getting involved, please check out their Facebook Page.
Other embroideries by Owen Kelly
Other embroideries by Owen Kelly
Other embroideries by Owen Kelly
As we wrap up our conversation, one thing shines through clearly: Owen’s embroidery is not just about thread and fabric, but about connection, storytelling, and resilience. From playful projects like his traveling stitched figure, Seamus O’Comanssy, to larger exhibitions and community initiatives, his work reaches far beyond his studio overlooking the Atlantic.
Remember to check Owen’s social media profiles, on the platforms you prefer, to follow along this wonderful stitching journeys. Maybe you could have the luck to attend one of the exhibitions where you can see the embroideries by Slavetothestitch in person, or to meet the “wee stitched man” around the world.
Owen’s art reminds us that creativity has the power to reflect beauty, compassion and hope, even in turbulent times. He continues to explore new forms, from stitched sculptures to collaborative projects, all while fostering a caring and creative community online.
It has been a true pleasure to step into his world of “stitchery pokery,” where every piece is both a personal journey and an invitation for others to look deeper.
I think we live in very tumultuous and turbulent times,
there is so much ugliness, fear, hate and destruction in the world,
I see my job as an artist to try to reflect beauty, love and compassion through my creations.
I maybe just one small voice but we can only do what we can do.
(Owen Kelly aka Slavetothestitch)
by Rici86.
