The Exemplary 2026
3rd Place, Professional Original
The Michele Roberts Award (Hearts and Design)

I have always been fascinated by perceptual puzzles, whether intellectual or visual. Much of today’s discussion centers around the Fibonacci sequence and its striking presence in both nature and art. Inspired by this mathematical beauty, I sought to translate it into my art form—counted canvas embroidery. Counted canvas embroidery is a type of needlework where stitches are made on an open-weave fabric, following a pattern to create intricate designs.

To explore this further, I married mirrored images together, forming a heart shape that became the focal point of my inspiration. Using approximations of the areas defined by the “golden mean,” I applied different stitches, thread textures, and variations of red, which guide the viewer’s eye inward toward the very “heart of the matter”—the unique heart shape at its center. This shape is created with two opposing Jean Hilton Crescent motifs, a specific type of stitch known for their intriguing curves. I also incorporated other Jean Hilton-style motifs to craft the graceful outer curves of the large heart. Even the golden negative space is thoughtfully placed using this marvelous mathematical progression, further enhancing the harmony of the design.

For me, creating this piece was not just an exploration of mathematics and art, but also a way to express my fascination with patterns that connect the natural world to human creativity. I hope the viewer can see past the math and appreciate the use of color and pattern in this “heart-felt” design and feel the emotional resonance that makes it so meaningful to me.