Artificial Heart

Artificial Heart Wearable works of art. As of now, all are reconfigured and stitched by artist Heather L. More is on the way. It’s the beginning of another great adventure..

In 2014 Artificial Heart began as an art studio practice initiative that repurposed good pieces of gently used clothing into works of art – that transformed thrift store finds into hand-embroidered, wearable objects worthy of passing down to grandkids. The pieces were stitched with references to the mechanical – to the wheels, cogs, nuts and bolts we typically take for granted, that deliver us our

necessities and comforts, exquisite enough in form to weave into what is worn every day, painstakingly by hand. I put it all away to travel through the Americas by motorcycle (for another art initiative called In Search of the Frightening and Beautiful). Prompted by the need for Covid-protective face coverings, I revived the Artificial Heart concept: to create wearable, sustainably produced and accessible artworks that look and feel as great as they are thought-provoking, as modes of moving communication. What’s emerged is a growing, ever-changing variety of bags, clothing, face masks, patches - and more to come - embodying the ideas and impressions I explore in my non-functional artwork – all stitched and hand-crafted using, whenever possible, secondhand materials destined for landfills. Each piece is lovingly flawed, bearing the mark of its previous user, who perhaps wore and outgrew it or donated it as surplus; the occasional paint smatter, smudge, misplaced bump or crease is evidence of a material’s former life. Johnson, one at a time in a Houston, Texas studio, at the bottom of the United States. Follow Artificial Heart on Instagram .i.ficial.heart, and at https://heatherLjohnson.com/artificial-heart.

Badass little messenger bag commission for a friend. With a magnetic closure and logo-embroidered pocket on the back. Pr...
07/08/2026

Badass little messenger bag commission for a friend. With a magnetic closure and logo-embroidered pocket on the back. Proud of this one!

ArtificialHeart.net

It's been a month of launching new stuff, including t-shirts I've had in my head for aeons. The designs bring together n...
06/25/2026

It's been a month of launching new stuff, including t-shirts I've had in my head for aeons. The designs bring together natural and mechanical references to produce the impression of a vortex - all embroidered in complementary colors, on shirts that have been saved from landfills.

Check them out at https://www.heatherljohnson.com/shirts ! If they show signs of selling, I'll make more in different sizes and color combos. Is there a size and color combination you'd like to see? Shoot me a DM!

Hey y'all.. the vertical micro bag is back! People have been asking about them, so I've finished a redesign that's an in...
06/22/2026

Hey y'all.. the vertical micro bag is back! People have been asking about them, so I've finished a redesign that's an inch wider, with double magnet closures and 3 pockets (including one zip pocket to secure your cards and cash). Still small enough to get into music venues, and the strap comes off if you want to turn it into a wallet. If you want to get even more minimal, the horizontal version measures only 8" x 4.5". With two pockets and double magnet closure, it will still carry your phone, cards and cash securely.

The new bags are embroidered with designs based on found mechanical drawings and elements from nature - and they're all still made from repurposed clothing and salvaged fabric.

Multiple colors are available now at heatherljohnson.com/bags/drill-bit-micro-bag 🔥

Heather L. Johnson

Getting ready for TRACER X No 3, a punk rock/art popup show happening this Saturday, 6/6/26, from 5-10pm. I’ve got some ...
06/01/2026

Getting ready for TRACER X No 3, a punk rock/art popup show happening this Saturday, 6/6/26, from 5-10pm. I’ve got some new material in the works, including new and recent bag designs, t-shirts and more. I’ll have some artwork too, alongside a roomful of local artists and friends sharing their affordable wares. Live music at 8pm!

1815 Cleburne St, Houston 77002.

.hydari .d.carterarts and many others!

A new embroidery design, soon to be on t-shirts, horizontal micro crossbody bags, messenger bags - perhaps even patches....
02/27/2026

A new embroidery design, soon to be on t-shirts, horizontal micro crossbody bags, messenger bags - perhaps even patches. Debuting what I can finish this Saturday at the Tracer X popup!

2/28/26, 5-10pm
1815 Cleburne St, Houston, TX 77004.

Lots of affordable art, and live music! Free admission, so you can support the artists. See you there!

Tracer X.. a popup show happening Saturday, 2/28, from 5-10pm! I’ll have wallets, t-shirts, bags, and these brand new li...
02/19/2026

Tracer X.. a popup show happening Saturday, 2/28, from 5-10pm! I’ll have wallets, t-shirts, bags, and these brand new lined logo totes - plus some new designs as well. Lots of artists. Plus live music! It’s free, so you can buy lots of art and tip the bands ;)

1815 Cleburne St, HTX 77004
BYOB

So… you’re having a last-minute gift-giving need attack? I gotcha covered. Artist designed, embroidered, and stitched, ...
12/18/2025

So… you’re having a last-minute gift-giving need attack? I gotcha covered.

Artist designed, embroidered, and stitched, from repurposed materials, in Houston, TX.

At https://www.heatherljohnson.com/bags 🥰🥳💝

Address

Houston, TX
77007

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