Discovering Photo Embroidery
I originally worked in sales of Tajima embroidery machines—mainly multi-head models. Single-head models weren’t a big focus for me.
That changed when a customer contacted me around 2012 and asked, “Can I use a Tajima single-head machine to create photo embroidery?” At the time, I had no experience or technical knowledge of photo embroidery. In fact, I even advised people not to pursue it because it seemed too time-consuming and unprofitable.
Six Years of Trial and Error
But online, I began to see incredibly realistic embroidered works that looked just like photographs. I felt a growing sense of urgency: If we can’t show what single-head machines are capable of, we might not be able to sell them at all.
So I decided to try it myself. My goal was to create photo embroidery like no one had ever seen before—using a Tajima machine—and eventually teach that technique to customers. However, things didn’t go smoothly. For six years, I struggled to produce satisfying results.
Starting as a Creator
As the process became more complex, it also became harder to explain to customers. But I found something deeply interesting in the uncertainty—the trial and error, the long hours, the moments of surprise. That’s why, in the fall of 2018, I officially became a photo embroidery creator.
The Theme: Embroidering Light
In spring 2019, thanks to sharing my work on Instagram, I had my first solo exhibition. Since then, I’ve held solo shows every year, including in 2020 and 2021. As an artist, I’ve embraced the theme: “Embroidering Light.”
In addition to creating new pieces, I now also participate in books, art events, and help others learn the craft of photo embroidery.
I believe photo embroidery still holds endless possibilities. I will continue exploring new ways to express light through thread.