Representation of “I’m a Strong Child” in Canvas Shoe Embroidery Art

Abstract

Eldest children tend to be conservative, power-oriented, and capable of leadership. Often entrusted with the responsibility of looking after their younger siblings, they grow into caring individuals who are more inclined toward parenthood and taking initiative. This significant life event—and the resulting shift in perspective—is represented on canvas shoes using manual embroidery techniques, honoring a practical gift once received from the artist's parents. The use of manual embroidery serves as an act of preservation in an era dominated by machine embroidery. The study employs a qualitative approach and is grounded in Artistic Research, wherein the artist and the researcher are the same person. The research culminates in a pair of canvas shoes featuring manual embroidery designs: 1) a fox motif, serving as a metaphor for the artist's own character as a firstborn—resilient and adaptable; 2) a sunflower motif, symbolizing spirit and cheerfulness; 3) a heart motif, representing the artist's father, who suffers from heart disease; 4) a rose motif, representing the artist's mother, for whom the rose has long been a favorite flower; 5) a book motif, representing the artist's education, reflecting a lifelong emphasis on learning instilled by both parents; and 6) abstract motifs. These designs are executed as embroidered patches using the satin stitch technique, incorporating embroidery floss, fine knitting yarn, and plush textured yarn. The project utilizes four pairs of canvas shoes in both low-cut and high-cut styles.