Born and raised in Malaysia, Sheena Liam is the embroidery artist behind the acclaimed Instagram account @times.new.romance. Her subjects, usually based on herself, are depicted in a thoughtful and calm, almost bored manner. Liam’s other occupation is modelling, a job that takes her around the globe. The jetsetter modelling lifestyle comes with waiting around on shoot sets while fighting jet lags. As a way to pass the waiting times, Liam picked up her childhood hobby of embroidery.

Delicately embroidered hands are supporting tired heads, and dainty fingers are patiently braiding long pigtails. Hair is a major component in her embroideries, as the yarn is often sewn in such a way that the hair falls loosely off the embroidery hoops, creating a compelling shift from 2D to 3D. Liam has mastered embroidering a number of hairstyles: messy buns, fringes, half updos, braids – you’ll even find mid-haircut depictions. But the hair being a focal point and recurring theme was more of an organic evolution rather than a planned creative decision.