Elena Neagu

Lacemaker

©Asociația WhyWeCraft

A committed custodian of craft

Elena masters both the weaving loom and the needle
She weaves on her mother and grandmother's loom
Perpetuating her craft is of great importance to her

Weaving has been in Elena Neagu's life since childhood but she discovered her own passion for this craft later in life. In 1996, an English professor doing some research on traditional weaving devices came to her village and asked Elena to show him how the loom works. This was an eye-opening experience that made her realise she wanted to dedicate herself to weaving and embroidery. She made some bespoke curtains for an interior designer, and orders for thousands of metres of woven cloth came in from all over the world. Elena uses the weaving loom her mother and grandmother worked on, which is over 100 years old. She loves to combine modern and traditional elements in her work, as well as to pass on her knowledge and craftsmanship to young people. Elena is an affiliate of the WhyWeCraft Association.

Interview

©Asociația WhyWeCraft

©Asociația WhyWeCraft

How is your craft linked to your territory?: I use traditional Saxon patterns and techniques, which are specific to our village. From men's shirts with specific ties to tablecloths I make by combining pieces of loom-woven cloth with lace, they are representative of the heritage of this area.
What do you love most about your craft?: I simply love what I do. My craft means everything to me and gives me energy. I like that no two pieces I create are identical. I am very excited to hear gasps of joy from those who wear the clothes I make.
What was a memorable moment linked to your craft?: The visit of the Prince of Wales (now King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). In 2008, interested in finding out more about traditional weaving and my work, HRH The Prince of Wales came to my studio to learn about the techniques and devices I use.
How was this royal encounter possible?: To my joy and surprise, it was a spontaneous decision by His Royal Highness. The Prince of Wales discovered my works during a visit to Saschiz, which I attended with other artisans. Despite a very busy schedule, HRH promised to come to my studio the next day to see how the loom works. You can only imagine how impressed everyone was with the attention paid to our traditions and craft.

Elena Neagu is a master artisan: she began her career in 1996 and she started teaching in 2008