My New Project – part II

Joanna — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:24:00 +0000

I said “what”, I said “why” – (in the first part of the blog here) – but I haven’t yet said “how” I would carry out my New Project, which… is now finished.

To further emphasize the light in the photograph titled “Hope and Freedom”, I embroidered the contours of the flares with silver metallic thread. I added texture and an extra sparkle. The photograph now shimmers depending on the angle of view and the light falling on it.

My work explores photo embroidery as a form of mixed media on paper.

Highlighting light with hand embroidery

I had a wonderful time during this work – it was a joyful meditation and an additional moment of calm that extended the whole process of “working” with the image. First came a walk with the camera, fresh air, contact with nature, searching for the frame and focusing on it (not on the thoughts swirling in my head). Then post-production on the computer, the print… and as a kind of bonus – embroidery and painting the dots.

An intuitive process, freedom of creation.

It’s a combination of photography and process, born in joy and light. It all started with my simple decision to pause – a moment for myself, a moment to marvel at the world and at the light.

It is following the light – including the inner light – allowing yourself to make mistakes, and searching for your own path – along with having fun and enjoying the time.

What does the light illuminate for you today, and what does it remind you of?

Because…

The world is where you choose to stop.

…and you will notice it.

I present my New Project, which I have named: Embroidered Light

From a photographer, I have naturally evolved into a textile artist 🙂 , combining photography with mixed media techniques. Where thread meets light.

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My New Project

Joanna — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:16:50 +0000

With great enthusiasm, genuine joy, and a strong sense of curiosity, I am starting a new project today!
It is an idea that has been quietly growing in my mind for some time. Only now has it taken its final shape. I know what it is and how I want to develop it. The materials are ready, and I can finally begin.

Before I tell you more about the project itself, I need to start with this photograph, which will be the focus of the project. This part is essential for understanding the entire concept. Very soon, everything will come together logically — from the general idea to the details.

The photograph is titled “Hope and Freedom.”
It belongs to the “Hope” collection and was created especially for the International Exhibition FREEDOM, which took place during an artistic residency I recently had the pleasure of participating in. The residency and the exhibition were held at the Royal Blue VA Gallery in Stockholm.

This work is my personal interpretation of the exhibition’s main theme. It expresses freedom through the act of creation itself.

Find “Hope and Freedom” in Shop

If we begin to analyze this photograph, we quickly notice that many classical rules of art are absent.
The main subject is not centered. The rule of thirds is not applied…. There are no strong focal points in the traditional sense.

And here… a meaningful pause.

What if I asked you a question from my other field of interest — psychology and personal development:

How would your perception of this photograph change if I told you that I simply photographed… light?

Exactly.

In this image, I photographed light — and joy, playfulness, and pure fun.
I created it intuitively, without control, expectations, and without following rules. It was about enjoyment and freedom throughout the entire process — from going out for a walk to post-production.

I noticed the light and I pressed the shutter.

That is what freedom in creation means to me.

I photographed those light flares purely for fun and pleasure.

Light is something I photograph often – if not always. But that is a topic for another time.

For me,

Light is associated only with positive meaning.

Culturally and socially, we are taught to perceive light as something good. We say ‘to shed light on a matter’ or ‘in the light of this’. We use the symbol of a warm home fire.
Our ancestors – the first humans – used light as protection against predators and danger. In a way, this association is written into our genes.

From an existential and philosophical perspective, light represents direction. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Even the Renaissance is understood as an era of illumination, growth, and a new beginning.

And finally, in a spiritual and religious context, light symbolizes God , a Higher Power:
“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

For me personally, light is also a symbol of the inner spark we all carry within. The one worth remembering, the one worth appreciating, the one worth following – because when we do, it shines even brighter.

To sum it up:

Light is goodness, truth, faith, hope, and wonder.

I believe we all instinctively feel that light is good.
We turn our faces toward the sun – and our soul recognizes it immediately.

…and this is exactly the light I want to highlight in my project.

Have a great day!

/ Joanna

Continue reading: Embroidered Light – the process behind the work

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