Sculptures made with a multitude of threads
- Emilia creates lively, 3D sculptural pieces by layering threads
- She uses traditional embroidery techniques and experiments with textiles
- Her mother taught her to knit and sew
Emilia Elfvik inherited her affinity for textiles from her mother, who introduced her to knitting and sewing at a young age. This early influence set her on the path to becoming a fashion designer, before she realised that she wanted to pursue a broader field of design. Emilia obtained a master's degree in applied arts and textile body space from Gothenburg University in Sweden. "I was eager to stretch my creativity and began exploring unconventional ways of applying the unique properties of textiles," Emilia says. In her practice today, she reimagines embroidery by exploring how to turn layer upon layer of threads into three-dimensional shapes. She begins by creating structures or frames with innovative materials, which she covers with fabric through embroidery. "My lively sculptures challenge gravity and aim to showcase the transformative potential of textiles," says Emilia.
Interview
- When did you first discover textile sculpture?
- Our house was stocked with knitting machines, and my mother taught me how to sew and knit, which ignited a deep love for textiles that shaped my creative journey. While I aspired to design clothes, I was uninspired by conventional techniques. When I experimented with different materials, I discovered the fascinating world of textile sculpture.
- How does your creative process unfold?
- I start by experimenting with various materials to find new ways to repurpose them. An example is when I discovered banana fibre which can be moulded into stiff forms when heated. I then add embroidery to this structure and that is how I convert flat textiles into energetic 3D sculptures.
- How does your work interact with the space around it?
- Working with soft materials makes me aware of how gravity, light and shadow shape how the textiles, thread colours and embroidery work together. I start to think about space when I notice how my soft fabrics occupy it, often in ways that appear almost solid.
- What message do you try to convey through your art?
- People often expect textile art to be flat. However, I strive to go beyond expectations and surprise viewers by challenging their preconceived notions. In my works I aim to reveal the hidden potential in textiles through sculptures that captivate and spark curiosity about structure and form.
Emilia Elfvik is a rising star: she began her career in 2020
Where
Emilia Elfvik
