Words: Ingrid Keneally
Hungarian-born textile artist and architect Katika Penzia Ekaterina, now based in Yaroslavl near Moscow, is the creator of exquisite life-like
crochet masterpieces. Ekaterina began her artistic work studying jewellery design for three years before moving on to study at the Ural Academy of
Architecture for six years. She is now completing her final course work at the children’s animation studio Ural Academy of Architecture and in
Moscow where she is working on curated animal pieces for a children’s film. In her free time she loves to paint and draw. You will be able to see some of her work in a joint exhibtion later in the year in Hong Kong. We will keep you posted.
1. Describe how you work with wool:
When I am working on my crochet I start like an artist with paints. I select objects, select colours and lay them all out in front of me. I look at the
photo or drawing I am going to crochet and divide it up into parts per colour plane. I do not think about the fact that it is crochet or even yarn. I often go away and look at a distance or get up in front of the mirror.
2. A pivotal moment in your early career:
During my pregnancy I was looking for new ways to express myself in my art. I started to pick up yarn and experiment with it. Before that I drew large oil paintings and make cartoons.
- Did anything in your childhood influence what you do now?
All my childhood affected what I do now. When I was young in Russia everything was bad. We were poor and my mother did a lot of crocheting and knitting. She taught me to crochet. Drawing was my own decision and I have been doing that for over nine years.
4. The professional achievements you are most proud of:
At the moment, it is an exhibition that I had in Japan.
5. Is there anything you wish you’d known when you were starting out in wool?
No I choose the wool intuitively - colour, texture, it is important for me.
- Why do you think wool/handmade textiles are so fashionable right now?
People are fed up with identical cheap things. Everyone wants to emphasize their individuality. This is the impact of globalization.
7. What is your dream wool project?
My dream is to have my own atelier and gallery for all my crochet art. I would love for people to come and look at my work, learn to crochet, make orders and more. And I’d like to achieve a higher skill every year.
8. Which artists who work in the wool/textiles field have inspired you?
That is easy to answer it is my mother and grandmother
- Best beginner’s task?
The best idea is to just start. Then all you do from the yarn is a masterpiece.
10.The KPC Yarn hue that speaks to you and why:
I have spent a long time examining the KPC Yarn palette and all of it is beautiful. If I had to choose it would be Ruby Aran and Ballet Shoes from the cashmere lace range. The box sets are also very well chosen.