iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 29/01/2026

Super excited to be teaching my first workshop of 2026 online on February 7th! Hope you can join me and @craftymonkies.bsky.social www.craftymonkies.com/event-detail...

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 29/10/2025

I’m super excited to announce a new workshop with @craftymonkies.bsky.social: Learn thread painting with me in 2026! Grab your spot soon, as my last workshop sold out. 💥 www.craftymonkies.com/live-zoom-wo...

Poster advertising thread painting zoom workshop on February 7, 2026

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 30/09/2025

I’m particularly satisfied of this ink drawing I did of David Bowie. I couldn’t resist adding some copper watercolor to his forehead. This one is currently en route to his new home. 💖 #artsky #bowie

Ink drawing on paper of David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust, with a golden circle on his forehead.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 07/09/2025

Bill Nighy, amirite? (He’s a delight)

Ink drawing of Bill Nighy with a quizzical expression

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 02/09/2025

Listening to my kid’s tv show, I misheard “heroes of the day” as “here is a bidet,” and I realized: they’re totally interchangeable. Slide one into your conversations today. 🤘 Including an image of a thread portrait I made for eye candy. #artsky

8” x 8” x 1.5” canvas artwork in a wooden floater frame. The artwork is created by first painting on raw canvas, and then stitching a drawing using a sewing machine and black cotton thread. Loose black threads are purposely visible across the canvas. This image is a thread sketch of a 1920s flapper woman, looking confidently over her shoulder, and holding a fur accessory, and wearing an extra long pearl necklace wrapped several times around her neck and back. The canvas is painted abstractly with a triangular patch of lime green and a small square of muted red-violet.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 22/08/2025

I recently created this work, honouring the inimitable Kate Bush. She’s an incredible artist, pioneer, and someone I respect for doing things her own way. Do you have a favourite Kate Bush song?

Framed square portrait of Kate Bush, created from mixed media (acrylic paint and cotton thread). The canvas is framed in a natural wood floater frame, and is shown against a neutral wall.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 11/08/2025

I created a little video of one of my latest artworks coming together. This, and a few more will be arriving on my website soon. As always, I’m celebrating the weirdos, sh!t disturbers and makers of good trouble.💥 #artsky #textileart #mixedmediaart #artcollecting

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 08/08/2025

A little video I made of my latest portrait coming together. I love rebellious subjects, particularly women. This one is based on @gayesuakyol.bsky.social Acrylic & cotton thread on canvas #textileart #chicagoartist #mixedmediaart

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 30/07/2025

I’m really proud of this painted and stitched portrait. The final size with frame is 13” x 13”. She’ll be coming with me to Talking Threads in Ames, IA opening Saturday 4pm at the Gallery in the Round. A Normal Venusian, pt 2., 2025 Cotton, acrylic, polyester on wood frame

Woman’s face stitched onto raw canvas. Her hair and cheeks are painted; her cheeks a lively blue-pink, and her hair and clothing aubergine, with red and teal flecks.

Closeup of stitched and painted portrait

Side angle showing canvas displayed in floater frame

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 29/07/2025

I made this piece on my birthday: a thread portrait of Tina Turner. This one is filled with birthday magic.

Portrait of Tina Turner singing, stitched onto raw canvas painted with orange and green

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 27/07/2025

Sharing a super satisfying part of my process. 👌 This is a heat-erasable ink I use in my thread portraits. #artsky #fiberart

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 26/07/2025

Working in a couple new thread sketches —here’s one of Shannon from Shannon & the Clams. #artsky #quiltsky

Portrait of Shanon Shaw stitched in thread

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 26/07/2025

I decided to draw a little bigger today. I normally sketch on an 8” x 8” sketchbook, but I decided to use a sheet of 12” x 16” paper.

Ink drawing on white paper of a disheveled David Bowie in clown makeup and attire, smoking a cigarette with a faraway look in his eye

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 24/07/2025

New thread sketch: the one and only Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth. Who should I do next? Bonus points for badass women.

Thread sketch of Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth on hand-painted canvas

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 22/07/2025

New work, new solo show The Magician debuts at my new solo show, Talking Threads, at the Gallery in the Round in Ames, IA. Opening night is Aug 2, 4-6pm My subject is the avant garde artist, Björk. My goal was to capture the playful, enigmatic spirit of one of the most singular artists of our time

Quilted portrait of the artist Björk. She is portrayed in tones of yellow-green and purple, with her hands areas by her face in a playful manner. 3D triangles emanate from her fingers

Close up of the eyes, highlighting the stitching

Close up of background and a 3D stacked triangle

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 20/07/2025

Stitched portrait of Mark Mothersbaugh from Devo.

Black thread portrait of man in glasses holding a microphone and wearing a pyramid hat. The portrait is stitched onto canvas, painted with a yellow triangle.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 15/07/2025

Excited to announce that I will be a guest on Quilting Arts TV, hitting PBS stations this Fall. We shot 3 segments this morning, and I can’t wait to share my tricks with you! #quiltsky

Sarah and Susan Brubaker Knapp, host of QA TV, standing on set

Sarah with the producer and director on set, going over the flow of a segment

Sarah and Susan filming, with camera gear all around them

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 30/06/2025

Week 2 of drawings of lips —now with teeth! These are a few studies of Marilyn Monroe’s lips. It’s fun to draw people wearing makeup. 😛

Graphite and charcoal drawings of Marilyn Monroe’s lips from different angles

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 22/06/2025

Some studies of lips I did for my facial feature drawing class. I’m normally too lazy to bring out my easel, but seeing the difference it makes will have me prioritize it in the future.

Graphite drawings of lips at different angles

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 20/06/2025

Just shipped these off for photography and inclusion in a little tv show I’ll be featured in next Fall. Stay tuned for more details! These are all fabric, no paint! #textileart #artsky #quiltsky

Textile portrait on canvas of a pink unenthused cat against a deep yellow background

Textile portrait on canvas of a purple German Shepherd Dog against a yellow background

Textile portrait on canvas of a green hand giving “rock on” fingers, against a black background

Portrait quilt of John Brown done all in reds

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 18/06/2025

I’ve got so much new stuff coming your way. I can’t wait to share what I’m doing this July. 🤘#quiltsky #artsky

Quilted green hand giving rock on fingers, with purple nails against a black backdrop.

Side view of rock on hand, showing a purple border around a canvas frame, and details of harlequin stitching in the background

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 05/06/2025

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for: drawings of a pierced nose at three different angles.

Graphite and chalk drawing of a nose at three different angles

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 29/05/2025

Just put the finishing touches on the latest in my Textile Sketch series. Made from cotton, silk, and bamboo mounted onto a wood frame, he measures 18” x 18” x 1.5”. Textile Sketch #6: Robert Smith #thecure #artsky

Textile portrait of Robert Smith from the Cure. Made from pieced cotton fabric and lots and lots of stitching, mounted onto a wood frame.

Detail shot showing lots of stitching and small signature in the corner

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 29/05/2025

Drawing more and more eyes for a facial feature class I’m taking at the Palette and Chisel Academy. Soon you’ll see random drawings of noses and ears from me… so you can look forward to that.

Eyes drawn with graphite and chalk on toned beige paper

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 28/05/2025

I finished my version of the Royally Striped cardigan (pattern by Stephen West) on Sunday. The first time I wore it out, someone tried to buy it off my back, so I guess it turned out okay. 😛 I rarely post my knitting, though I’ve been a knitter far longer than I’ve been a quilter! #knitsky

Me wearing my Royally Striped cardigan and being a fool in my alley.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 27/05/2025

Happy 68th birthday to the one and only Siouxsie Sioux! Born May 27, 1957, she’s as iconic today as when she played with the Banshees. Rock on Siouxsie! Thanks for bringing your authenticity to the world. 🤘🔥💥

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 26/05/2025

Cool thing about being an artist #117: we’re very good at entertaining ourselves on airplanes. (A graphite drawing, and an ink & watercolor drawing of Prince from today’s flight)

Graphite drawing of eyes from a variety of angles

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 24/05/2025

**Not my work** Some of my favorite quilts from Quilt National, in no particular order. (Artist names in alt text) pt. 2/2

Danette Pratt, Manx Laughton Sheep Mask
(Technically not part of Quilt National, but in an adjacent gallery at Dairy Barn Arts Center)

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 24/05/2025

**Not my work** Some of my favorite quilts from Quilt National, in no particular order. (Artist names in alt text) pt. 1/2

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 24/05/2025

And there she is, hanging in all her glory. She looks so vibrant in the light. 🔥🔥🔥 #quiltnational

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 24/05/2025

They put a picture of my quilt on my name tag, and now it feels like I’m giving the finger to everyone I meet. (This tickles me to no end) #quiltnational

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 23/05/2025

I’m in Athens, Ohio this weekend for the opening of Quilt National at the Dairy Barn Arts Center. I can’t wait to meet the other artists, and to see this bad-ass hanging among some of the best fiber art in the world.

Textile portrait of writer and activist, Mona Eltahawy. She’s doing a two hand, middle-finger salute with a defiant expression. Her skin is different values of purple, and she’s standing against a teal and peach background, with majesty lines radiating from her.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 11/05/2025

I recently reworked a piece I made last year, adding extra stitching to his face and golden beams radiating from him. Proof that old work kicking around the studio can be a good thing. Textile Sketch #3: Saul Williams 30” diameter

Textile portrait of a black man holding his face in his hands, his eyes peeking out from between his fingers. He wears multiple rings, a nose ring, and vibrantly colored clothes.

Detail of his face, showing heavy stitching

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 06/05/2025

Ooooooh y’all! My Bowie painting is almost done! Imma let him sit a few days before making my final tweaks. #oilpastel #artsky

Oil pastel painting of David Bowie in half clown makeup. He’s got pink hair, purple skin, and is wearing a blue knit sweater against a deep green background.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 05/05/2025

Just put the finishing touches on a thread portrait of Prodigy’s Keith Flint. I’m liking how he looks in the floater frame. The Firestarter, 2025 Cotton thread on canvas, wood frame 8”x8”

Thread portrait of Prodigy’s Keith Flint, done in black thread on canvas. Size is 8” x 8” in a black floater frame.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 04/05/2025

Continued progress on my oil pastel painting of David Bowie. The background, his sweater, and a few tiny tweaks to his eyes are all that’s left. 💥 #artsky #oilpastel #workinprogress

Oil pastel painting of David Bowie, in half clown makeup. His hair is shades of pink, and his skin shades of purple.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 02/05/2025

Finally getting around to do some initial color/value blocking of an oil pastel painting I’m doing of my lifelong inspiration, David Bowie. 💖

Sketchy oil pastel image of a you g David Bowie. 1/2 of his face is in clown makeup. His face is tones of grey, and his hair is shades of pink. A deep green is drawn around him, blocking out the background color.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 02/05/2025

Y'all are going to get sick of me posting these... Here's one I did today of Blondie's Debbie Harry. Size: 8" x 8" cotton thread, cotton canvas, wood frame #quiltsky #artsky

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 01/05/2025

I made another thread portrait, guys! It's my first crush, David Bowie as Jareth from Labyrinth. Details: I've Brought You a Gift, 2025 8" x 8" cotton and polyester thread, cotton canvas, wood frame #textileart #davidbowie

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 30/04/2025

My experiment worked! I turned my Talking Heads sketches into stitched portraits. 😛 Talking Threads, 2025 18” x 18” Cotton thread, canvas, wood frame #artsky #quiltsky #davidbyrne #tinaweymouth #chrisfranz #jerryharrison

Stitched portrait of the bands, the Talking Heads. The canvas is divided into four quadrants, with each band member filling one. The portraits are done with stitched black thread on raw canvas with the tails of thread still hanging out.

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 29/04/2025

I think a Talking Heads stitched portrait will be next… #artsky #quiltsky

Ink drying of Jerry Harrison from the Talking Heads

Ink drying of Chris Franz from the Talking Heads

Ink drying of Tina Weymouth from the Talking Heads

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 28/04/2025

My textile portrait of Taylor Swift is done, and she cute! 30” diameter, textile mounted to wood frame. #quiltsky #artsky

Textile portrait of Taylor Swift. Her head floats on a background of a pink retro fabric print, and her face is rendered from black stitching. She looks super cute, and a smiling the textile is mounted onto a round wooden frame that is 30 inches in diameter.

Side view of the portrait, showing teal fabric, wrapping around the edge of the canvas

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 25/04/2025

Just painted my nails for my SOLD OUT online workshop tomorrow morning. Y’all need to know I never do this anymore, but figured I should make my hands somewhat presentable. 😛

Photo of my hand with my fingernails painted in the first time in over a year! Nails are a neutral beige with blue, pink and lime green confetti on top

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 25/04/2025

More progress today on the stitching. Swifties, this one is for you. ✨ #quiltsky #textileart

In progress textile portrait of Taylor Swift

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 24/04/2025

Update on the Taylor Swift textile portrait. It took me longer than expected to put the last part together, but she’s ready to be stitched tomorrow. When finished, I’ll stretch this over a 30” round frame. #quiltsky

Floating Taylor Swift head on a pink retro-vibes background. Pale lines are visible, which mark where the stitching will go

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 24/04/2025

Today I did a little ink-and-watercolor sketch of Taylor Swift that I’m using as the basis for the next piece in my Textile Sketch series. I’ve made excellent progress, and tomorrow I’ll begin stitching all the details. I’m no Swiftie, but this is in honor of all my Swiftie friends. 💖 #quiltsky

Work in progress shot of textile sketch of Taylor Swift. Her face has been sewn, and markings on the fabric indicate where I will stitch the details

Ink and watercolor sketch of Taylor Swift from my sketchbook

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 24/04/2025

I’m honored to have been accepted as a SAQA Juried Artist Member. A few months ago I submitted my portfolio, CV and exhibition history to a panel of artists working within my medium, and I’m proud to join the ranks of this esteemed group. Thank you @saqaart.bsky.social! www.saqa.com/art/juried-a...

King of Wands (2024)

Quilted portrait of drummer Tony Allen. His skin is shades of blue and he wears a white crown

Man of His Time (2025)

Portrait of abolitionist John Brown done in shades of red

Queen of Swords (2024)

Portrait of Mona Eltahawy with two middle fingers raised. Her skin is done in shades of purple

All Hail the Queen (2023)

Portrait of Queen Latifah reimagined as an Egyptian Queen. Her skin is shades of pink

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Io the Alien / Sarah Spencer @iothealien.com · 10/04/2025

Well, shoot. Apparently posting a blog post is considered advertising by the /artistlounge subreddit? (I absolutely make no money from my blog posts, no do I have any artist coaching services relating to this. Only sharing my experience!) Blog post in question is in my last post, for reference.

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