Bloom 1

The Bloom Series consists of hundreds of floral embroideries from across the world, brought together to flourish through Heidi Hankaniemi’s delicate curation and stitching onto upcycled industrial felt.

The vintage handiworks including floral embroideries, laces, crochets, linens, and dolies have been collected from flea markets and charity shops or received as donations. They’re the combined labor of a myriad of anonymous and skillful women (and men) from a variety of places and time periods. These creations and their physical memory are here to honor that labor and bring blooms together to unite their lives and stories into one textile bouquet.

“My intention is to bring the flowers back to life. I act as a gardener, I bring them together and give them fields to flourish in.” – Heidi Hankaniemi

Heidi gives a small percentage of sales to Safe Horizon or the Retreat. These women’s support organizations help support her art through material donations and she feels it’s important to keep the circle going.

About the Artist:

Born in Finland, Heidi Hankaniemi now lives and works in New York City. Hankaniemi’s work has been exhibited throughout Europe and in the US, including at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, Moscow Museum of Modern Art, and Mana Contemporary Art Center. Solo exhibitions include L’Space Gallery in Chelsea NY, Espacio Valverde Madrid, and Espacio de las Aquas Madrid. She is involved in New York Textile Month and currently works in a studio by the Chashama organization.

Heidi received her BA (Hons) Degree in Critical Fine Art Practice and a Foundation Diploma in Fine Arts from Central Saint Martins in London UK. Her work is predominately textile-based.

In addition to Fine Art, Hankaniemi has worked extensively within the commercial arts field, focusing on site-specific installations and visuals. These include projects for Swarovski, Sir Elton John, Tiffany’s, among others. Hankaniemi’s work is included in private collections in Europe and America and has been featured in publications ranging from Artnet and Architectural Digest to Vogue, Hola and HELLO!.