Eka Khuntsaria

Silkroom

Textile dyer

©Lasha Adamashvili

©Rafael Arzumanov

©Leli Blagonravova

Painter on silk

Eka has a background in graphic design
She works on silk with liquid and acrylic paints without using wax-resist lines
Eka is inspired by the nature and warm colour combinations

When Eka Khuntsaria graduated from the Faculty of Graphic Design, she got the chance to study batik from her friends. In 1994, she co-founded a textile art studio, La Maison Bleue, which was a well-known textile showroom in Tbilisi. After more than 20 years, Eka decided to start her solo career by opening her own studio, Silkroom, which combines a workshop with a showroom – for her colourful collections – in one space. “I call my technique 'painting on silk' as I apply textile and acrylic paints over the silk, setting the colours by wax and paraffin without using wax-resist lines. My attitude to silk is similar to what the canvas means to the painter – a space without borders.” Over the years Eka’s decorative compositions have been showcased at various exhibitions in Georgia and abroad. Her works are part of many private collections in the UK, USA, Spain, Italy and beyond.

Interview

©Lasha Adamashvili

©Rafael Arzumanov

What inspires your work?: Nature and Colour: these are two main sources of inspiration for me. During my daytime routine, I find myself observing plants, wherever they may be. I love experimenting with floral motifs and exploring new colour combinations. Georgian traditional patterns and national costumes are other sources of inspiration which I often reflect in new themes and ornaments for my collections.
Does your background as a graphic designer influence your work?: Graphic art still plays an essential role in my work. I try to find the balance between the graphic image, its symmetry and the expressiveness of the colour. The synthesis of colour and composition is what creates the harmony in my works.
How would you describe your approach?: It is very important for me to work every single day. I believe that new ideas are born only during the working process. That is why I decided to start drawing directly on the silk without any preliminary sketches. It was then that I realised the magic of creativity lies in the unexpected decisions and intuitive brush strokes.
What was the most memorable moment of your life?: I have had very many pleasant moments of my creative carrier, but perhaps one of the highlights was when one of my favourite French actresses, Charlotte Gainsbourg, visited my studio in Tbilisi. I was very happy to host her.

Eka Khuntsaria is an expert artisan she began her career in 1994