Textile artist Julia Lodyguina describes herself as a modern nomad having lived all around the world from a child. She is currently based in Russia where she creates her hand embroideries which she describes as ‘meditations.’

Where are you from and where do you live now?

This one, being a seemingly simple question, always makes me go: “it’s a long story”.

I am something of a modern nomad, having lived in different places, cultures and traditions since the very first days of my life, North America, Africa, Europe and Asia – all of those places I consider my home.  At the moment I live in Moscow, Russia.

Where do you work?

I mostly work from home, which looks like a storage area of all kinds of things, from my collection of traditional textiles and costumes to different bits and scraps that I recycle and upcycle to use in my works. I guess one can say that I work in my studio where I also sleep.

What is your background in textiles?

I am self taught and it somehow feels like my hands always knew stitching, I just watch them do it (mostly, surprised) and learn from them. Art (in different forms) has been my modus operandi to process and accept the reality since early days, yet it’s embroidery that has given me the deepest feeling of connection with myself. 

How do you describe your work?

My embroideries are meditations, I never know what the work would look like once finished. Making the first stitch and watching how the textile, floss and other decorative materials intertwine is the purpose of my art. The process itself is my biggest inspiration.

What stitches do you use?

I can probably say that French knot, Turkey work and blanket stitch are my favourites. For those readers that are as into turkey work as I am, I can share my latest discovery: the best way to separate floss is with the lice comb.

Is My Tiny Treasure, all French knots? If so why did you choose this technique?

Yes, it is all French knots, done in two-strand floss. And as to why I chose this technique:

My father is bedridden since last December and my sister and I take shifts in taking care of him. For one of the shifts, knowing that I wouldn’t have too much time for embroidery, I took a little hoop and three hues of grey floss with me – just in case. Every minute of being with my father is filled with an array of feelings and emotions: love, tenderness, fear, hope, despair, regrets, beautiful memories and constant reminders of fragility of life. So I guess I chose the most meditative technique there is, to dissolve in the moment, processing and accepting it. 

This design was later commissioned to be recreated on a jacket, and I can’t but mention that it is comprised of over 17 thousand knots (17566 to be exact).

How long does a piece generally take?

Depending on the chosen technique, it can take anything from one day to over two weeks. I noticed that limiting myself to one kind of stitch, texture or colour, lengthens the process but makes the journey into myself deeper hence more valuable.

What is your career highlight to date?

Having my works in private collections all over the world is the biggest highlight. Also there are a few personal highlights, including the above-mentioned jacket, which I consider something of a milestone: whenever I face a hard or lengthy process (not limited to embroidery), I remind myself of having finished over 17 thousand knots in one work and that makes me feel I am capable anything.

Is there anything you want to add?

I have to mention that having been a member of different artistic and professional groups, I am yet to find a more appreciative and supportive community than that of fiber artists. I feel so blessed, grateful and honoured to be a part of it!

 https://instagram.com/jlodyguina_art