Simone's
Hand-Punched Textiles
punch-needle embroidered & hand-tufted fine textiles
One-of-a-kind, dynamic creations involving cultural investigation, pop-culture and identity. Simone creates colourful works of portraiture and kindred creatures, resulting in unique tapestries evoking an undeniable charm.
The Surrender: From Darkness into the Light, 2025 *Available*
hand-punched and embroidered acrylic, cotton and metallic yarn on jute warp. 55inches round
TrepanierBaer Gallery, Calgary
She Holds the Sky, 2025 *Available*
hand punched and embroidered acrylic, cotton, velvet and metallic yarn on cotton warp. 44 inches round
TrepanierBaer Gallery, Calgary
Channelling Caravaggio 2024
I embark on a profound journey in search of belonging—an exploration shaped by my identity as a mixed-race Black woman. I strive to cultivate a sisterhood that resonates with the vibrant diaspora of Black womanhood, weaving connections that celebrate our shared narratives. The wellspring of inspiration around me is limitless, but my heart draws particularly from the past, where the romance and whimsy of art history—especially the Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and the Pre-Raphaelites—come alive in fresh, transformative ways.
She Manifests Her Own Destiny, 2024 *Available*
hand-punched and embroidered acrylic, chenille, cotton and metallic yarn on cotton rug warp 127 x 90.17 x 2.5cm
Girl with Butterflies, 2024
hand-punched and embroidered acrylic, chenille, cotton and metallic yarn on cotton rug warp 127 x 90.17 x 2.5cm
Collection of the North Dakota Museum of Art
Girl with Birds, 2024
hand-punched and embroidered acrylic, chenille, cotton and metallic yarn on cotton rug warp 127 x 90.17 x 2.5cm
Private Collection
Girl with Basket of Fruit, 2024
hand-punched and embroidered acrylic, chenille, cotton and metallic yarn on cotton rug warp 127 x 90.17 x 2.5cm
Collection of the North Dakota Museum of Art
Olympia's Oasis 2023
In my work, I delve into the historical significance of Édouard Manet’s iconic painting Olympia, a piece that has long been at the center of discussions about the voyeuristic gaze, objectification, and power dynamics. I am particularly interested in exploring the ways in which the female subject is portrayed, the implications of the viewer’s gaze, and the socio-political context in which this portrait was created. Through these reflections, I examine not only the artist's intentions but also the broader cultural forces that shaped the perception of women and sexuality during that period, and reflected into today.
each textile hand tufted acrylic, cotton, wool and metallic yarn on cotton rug warp. 76.2 x 50.8 x 3 cm
Olympia’s Oasis, 2023
hand-tufted and embroidered acrylic, wool, chenille, cotton and metallic yarn with cotton embroidery thread on cotton rug warp.
165.1 x 165.1 x 2.5 cm. Collection of the Bunker Artspace, West Palm Beach, Florida.
(Be)Longing Portraits 2023
(Be)Longing is a series of portraits that uplift sisterhood, each woman accentuated by a magnificent metallic gold sun - like a crown - beaming forth her light. Colourful and vibrant motifs thread with care and love, honouring a diverse sisterhood!
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8 portraits *several available*
each textile hand tufted acrylic, cotton, wool and metallic yarn on cotton rug warp. 76.2 x 50.8 x 3 cm
Verchü and the Chronicles of the Unicorn 2022 - 2023
This series of 4 works is Saunders' reinterpretation of the Hunt of the Unicorn, centering her
heroine Verchü (phonetic spelling of Virtue) a Black woman who ultimately saves the Unicorn in a
pointed retelling of the allegorical Renaissance hunt. The utopian world depicted in Saunders’ work is
as detailed and referential as the original, replacing the white virgin with a symbol of Black femininity
amid lush tropical flora and fauna.
In the first tapestry, Verchü encounters the Unicorn within the white fence (sacred garden) where she
frees the Unicorn of its chains. In the second, Verchü rides the freed Unicorn galloping with her braids
and the Unicorn’s mane flowing in the wind while shadowy figures follow behind them. In the third
tapestry Verchü and the Unicorn are seen nestled below a rocky cliff with a cascading waterfall. In the
fourth and final work, Verchü and the Unicorn embrace, along with a harmonious menagerie,
revealing the restoration of a beautiful and synchronized world.
Release in Darkness, 2022
hand-tufted acrylic, cotton, wool and metallic yarn on cotton rug warp. 167.64 x 140.97 x 1.5 cm
Private Collection
Break Away At Dawn, 2022
hand-tufted acrylic, cotton, wool and metallic yarn on cotton rug warp. 167.64 x 140.97 x 1.5 cm
Collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art
hand-tufted acrylic, cotton, wool and metallic yarn on cotton rug warp. 167.64 x 140.97 x 1.5 cm
Private Collection
Affirmations of Day, 2022
Harmony Sings At Dusk, 2023 *Available*
hand-tufted acrylic, cotton, wool and metallic yarn on cotton rug warp. 167.64 x 140.97 x 1.5 cm
Ancestral Bodies
2021 -
The figures are rendered as ethereal and sentient beings. I tuft line-work with beige thread outlining the bodies and then I fill with gold-flecked black thread. The bodies illuminate from the textile, as though constellations are captured from within. In creating the bodies this way, I am honouring my ancestors, acknowledging that they are with the stars. Everything they have given to this world, all past, present and future into one. Their struggles, their love, their bodies now at one with the stars. We are imprints of our ancestors, learning and discovering through them to ourselves. We are impacted by histories, we are fragments of those who came before us. We are more than our bodies, we radiate an energy that is tethered to a lineage beyond comprehension. This is the foundation for my series Ancestral Bodies. Each textile captures a different message of light and love and a connection to the stars... to our universe.
Synchronicity 2022
hand-tufted acrylic, velvet, cotton and wool yarn on cotton rug warp. 167.64 x 157.48 x 1.5 cm
Private Collection, UK
WORTHY 2022
hand-tufted acrylic, velvet, cotton and wool yarn on cotton rug warp. 162.56 x 163.83 x 1.5 cm.
Collection of the Weissman Museum of Art, MN
Internal Reflections 2022
hand-tufted acrylic, cotton and velvet yarn on rug warp. 165.02 cm x 158.75 cm x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection.
Sun Rays, 2022
hand-tufted acrylic, cotton and velvet yarn on rug warp. 165.1 x 78.5 x 1.5 cm
Collection of the 21C Museum
Star Gaze, 2022 *Available*
hand-tufted acrylic, cotton and velvet yarn on rug warp. 165.1 x 78.5 x 1.5 cm
She Reveals, 2022
hand-tufted acrylic, wool and velvet yarn on rug warp. 165.1 cm x 153.67 cm x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection
A Prayer, 2021 *Available*
hand-tufted acrylic and cotton yarn on rug warp.167.64 cm x 162.56 cm x 1.5 cm
The Messenger, 2021
hand-tufted velvet, acrylic and cotton yarn on rug warp, 165.1 x 156.2 x 1.5 cm.
Collection of The Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Cosmos : Creation, 2021*Available*
hand-tufted velvet, acrylic and wool yarn on rug warp, 162.56 x 165.1 x 1.5 cm.
Rise Up: Encompass the Galaxy, 2021
hand-tufted velvet, acrylic and wool yarn on rug warp, 168 x 163.5 x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection
Unwavering Grace: Legacy of the Stars, 2021
hand-tufted velvet, acrylic and wool yarn on rug warp, 164.5 x 161 x 2 cm.
Private Collection
Protect Black Women
2020-2021
I start with a gaze. When creating portraits of Black women, I want our power and resilience to shine through. And the eyes are portals. I aim for intent, for the gaze to pull in and engage the viewer. The character is developed through a curiosity for connection: what is happening in the world? What is this figure wanting to say?
I am completely enamoured by Art Nouveau. The whimsy and grace, with figures adorned in golds and surrounded by intoxicatingly rich patterns. And the way in which women were portrayed in Art Nouveau, so sensual and alluring. I adopt the techniques and inspiration from this era and emulate my own style, championing Black womanhood, creating, “BLACK NOUVEAU".
Excellence, 2021
hand-tufted velvet, acrylic and wool yarn on rug warp, 152.4 x 152.4 x 1.5 cm.
Collection of Global Affairs Canada
Lady Justice, 2021
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 165.1 x 142.25 x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection
She Summons, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 162.56 x 147.32 x 1.5 cm.
Collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN
Queen of Diamonds, 2020
hand-tufted velvet, acrylic and wool yarn on rug warp, 165.1 x 76.2 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of Artist.
Queen of Hearts, 2020
hand-tufted velvet, acrylic and wool yarn on rug warp, 165.1 x 76.2 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of Artist.
Queen of Spades, 2020
hand-tufted velvet, acrylic and wool yarn on rug warp, 165.1 x 76.2 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of Artist.
Queen of Clubs, 2020
hand-tufted velvet, acrylic and wool yarn on rug warp, 165.1 x 76.2 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of Artist.
She Prevails, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 157.48 x 152.4 x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection.
She Grows, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 160.02 x 134.62 x 1.5 cm.
Collection of the Hill Harper Museum, Detroit, Michigan
Portraits
2019-2020
It Matters I, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 81.28 x 58.42 x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection.
It Matters II, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 81.28 x 58.42 x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection.
Alicia, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 86.36 x 60.96 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of the artist.
Eve, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 88.9 x 55.88 x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection.
Dr.King, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 91.44 x 26.04 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of the artist.
Little One, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 60.96 x 50.8 x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection.
Justice for Ahmaud Arbery, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 81.28 x 58.42 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of the artist
G a i a, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 88.9 x 63.5 x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection.
Bob, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 71.12 x 63.5 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of the artist
She Holds the Key, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 157.48 x 152.4 x 1.5 cm.
Collection of the Mint Museum, Charlotte, NC
She Watches, She Waits, 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 142.24 x 137.16 x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection.
She Emerges (Self), 2020
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 160.02 x 134.62 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of the artist
Duppy Dupplicity, 2019
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 152.4 x 152.4 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of the artist.
Gems (Namesake), 2019
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 152.4 x 127 x 1.5 cm.
Private Collection.
Bey, 2019
hand-tufted velvet and acrylic yarn on rug warp, 152.4 x 152.4 x 1.5 cm. Courtesy of the artist