Virginija Stigaite

Interacting with nature

• Virginija keeps a family tradition alive
• She only uses natural fibres for pieces
• She uses traditional techniques

Although Virginija Stigaite has a family tradition in textiles, initially she explored many techniques and materials before finding her home at the loom. She is hugely passionate about the creative process, from the choice of fibre through to the finishing of each product. She is part engineer, part chemist and part craftsperson. Virginija is driven to find new ways of combining fibres, recently discovering a new technique for softening linen fibres. The garments she produces incorporate a rustic colour pallette which draws inspiration from nature. Interaction with wilderness is core to her work, creating sustainable production, and clothing that has a positive interaction between people and the world.

Interview

©Sarune Zurba

©Sarune Zurba

How did you become a weaver?

My grandmother was actually a weaver but I tried many crafts in the quest to find my path. One day I got the opportunity to sit at a loom and weave, I was hit by the instant connection. I had found my craft. It clicked with me straight away.

What is it that you love about your craft?

Well I am trained in Fashion Engineering and the loom is like a computer to me. I understand the logic of it. The rhythm of the making process is meditative for me and it is not just something I love to do; it is something I need to do.

How do you choose the colours for your pieces?

I am very inspired by unusual colour combinations in nature and I bring these unlikely matches into my work. I also spend a lot of time travelling and finding new, interesting yarns to include in my work. I only use natural fibres in my weaving.

What do people not know about your work?

That I make everything from start to finish. My father was a tailor and I learned that from him. I design, make the fabric, and create the final pieces. My craft of weaving is rare in Lithuania and I feel a need to keep this aspect of my practice, and preserve these skills.

Virginija Stigaite is a master artisan: she began her career in 2008 and she started teaching in 2015

Works

©Robertas Rudys

©Dovaldė Butenaitė

©Sarune Zurba

©Robertas Rudys

©Sarune Zurba

Where