Youmeng Liu is a designer and embroidery artist. She graduated from the London College of Fashion (LCF) with a MA in Fashion Artifact. Upon graduation she was selected as a finalist for International Talent Support (ITS) and was invited to showcase her work in Italy. She was also a finalist at the prestigious Hand & Lock Embroidery prize in 2019.

Her vision is to produce 301 embroidered art works of common edible food items. Every piece of artwork has been created using her newly developed 3D punch needle embroidery technique which combines the skill of hand embroidery, scissors sculpting and an artistic eye. As a result, this gives the work a very realistic look.

‘Exploring the relationship with food’

From end of 2020, Youmeng wants to create artwork that people can look at every day and find a relationship with food. Every food has their own character which she wants to convey the emotions onto her artwork. From the baby broccoli which is peaceful and relaxing to the fried egg with its warmth and energy. Youmeng wants to transfer all these feelings to her audiences.

Youmeng took on embroidery as a hobby ten years ago. At the same time, she went on a trip to Dali which is a Bai minority region in China and came across the locals who was doing punch needle embroidery. She was drawn into their spectacular work straight away, and then learnt this technique herself. After some years, she redeveloped the traditional punch needle techniques to her own unique style and complexity. The Bai minority punch needle embroidery was done in a single layer like carpet. Youmeng reinvented the technique and added multiple layers and sculpting to create a more realistic and complex look.

Youmeng’s embroidery only uses silk and cotton threads (no felting) and her own bespoke punch needle to create the unique piece of artwork.

She would like to showcase her 3D edible embroidery artwork in galleries worldwide in the future. Collaborations with other brands to do exciting projects are always welcome.