By Ingrid Keneally
Discarded household items are given a second life through Ulla-Stina Wikander’s recovered embroidery creations. Wikander, who is based in Kullavik, Stockholm, rescues ordinary objects, mainly from the 1970s, such as toasters, telephones, typewriters, trays and hand-held mixers, and covers them with whimsical pieces of embroidery the world has forgotten. Elevated from the lost grounds of flea markets and vintage stores, these pieces are painstakingly turned into kitsch beauties which are impossible to miss. Wikanders installations have been exhibited in various galleries around the world and select pieces are available to buy on her website (www.ullastinawikander.com).
- How do you work with wool/cotton?
I work with wool through embroideries. I cut them apart and then put them together again, covering ordinary household items but also larger installations.
- What is a pivotal moment in your early career?
When I was 16 years old and went to high school, I started to join an evening class at art school. The teacher there was very encouraging. After I finished school, I decided to make an application to Havedskous Måkarsjika Art College and I was admitted and finished my studies in 1986.
- What, if anything, in your childhood influenced what you do now?
My mother and her relatives were artistic and very musical, so I was influenced by that. I also had the privilege of having an educated artist as a teacher in fourth grade that affected me very much.
- What is a professional achievement you are most proud of?
Two times I have been awarded a working grant from the Swedish government and that has made me feel very honoured.
- What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in wool/cotton?
I would say that I am glad I did not know that it would take so long time to finish a work.
- Why do you think hand-made textiles are so popular right now?
I think that the time has come to make textile art as important as any other form of art. In Europe the big Biennale in Venice 2017 showed a lot of textile and art craft and also the Dokumenta 14 in Kassel had a focus on textile that they promoted.
- What is your dream wool/cotton project?
I would like to create a really big installation with lots of objects that are covered with embroideries. It would be so interesting to have the possibility to do that.
- Which artists who work in the wool/textiles field have inspired you?
I have always been inspired and interested in ethnic minority peoples embroideries and fabrics, from all over the world. The colours, the patterns, everything.
- What is your favourite woollen/cotton item in your wardrobe or home and why?
I am obsessed with long wool cardigans and I wear theme all the time mostly in fall, winter and spring but even in the summertime because it can be quite cold here in Sweden.
- How would you describe your workspace?
My workspace is very bright and clean, I have a big window and lots of daylight. When I am in the middle of a job it could be quite messy around me, because I don’t want to throw anything away during the process, sometimes I’m not sure when a piece or installation is done.
- What is your favourite quote or mantra?
You can do whatever you want, but be prepared to work hard and do not give up if you believe in your idea.
- 13. What is the KPC Yarn hue that speaks to you and why?
All the beautiful colours and shades that are available, they all really inspired me.