Lili Panjtar

Lila Studio

Textile worker

©IztokZupan

©LilaStudio

©Katja Korosec

©Katja Jemec

Mastering an array of textile disciplines

Lili works on textile creation and dyeing
Captivated by botanical prints, she embraces errors as valuable lessons
She considers each creation, like nature, to be unique and irreplaceable

Lili Panjtar is a designer by education and an artisan at heart. As a true multi-practitioner, she draws inspiration from an array of fields. It was in 2013, when she embarked on a daring freelance venture, after over two decades of design experience, that she established her own creative studio. Lili is a master textile designer, felt maker, natural dyer and also master the intricate techniques of botanical printing. Additionally, she learned the technique of primitive manual printing, for which she weaves intricate patterns into fibres with her handmade stencils. She regularly holds workshops, where she shares her knowledge with eager minds, ensuring the flame of creativity burns bright for generations to come.

Interview

©Katja Jemec

©Katja Korosec

What motivated you to embark on the path of craftsmanship?: I felt I had to change my working environment and start anew. And I did. It was not easy as I had to start all over again. My interest in various materials and techniques influenced my decision. I was determined about not letting go of any of my passion.
Which was the first object you made?: The first object I made was a felted wool carpet, which I named Sora. It was made of felted wool bobbles sewn together.
In what way is your craft linked to the territory?: I live on the edge of a forest, from where I source materials and also create. Since water is integral to all my techniques, this comes in very handy. I am a proud member of the Arts & Crafts Centre Škofja Loka and the Kreativnice Contemporary Textile Centre.
Is there something about your work that people usually do not know?: Experiential learning is my passion. I always search for the opportunity to delve into an experiment, often discovering great solutions and crafting products through a combination of trial and error.

Lili Panjtar is an expert artisan she began her career in 2014