Elīza Māra

Embroiderer

©Inga Bitere

©Eliza Mara

Embroidery reimagined

Elīza melds traditional embroidery with contemporary art
She highly values fine craftsmanship
Her studies in the UK ignited her interest in Latvian heritage

Elīza Māra's interest for craftsmanship began during her school days. She always had a sense that embroidery would be a part of her life. While she did not expect it to become her profession, fate ultimately guided her to the Royal School of Needlework. Today, experimentation plays a significant role in Elīza’s artistic journey, offering her opportunities to explore her preferences, abilities, and push the boundaries of traditional embroidery. She embraces a more innovative approach to her craft. Elīza's artistic pursuits aim to merge creative expression with her interest in Soviet heritage, all while incorporating research to contextualise her artworks more broadly.

Interview

©Inga Bitere

©Inga Bitere

In what way is your craft linked to the territory?: While studying in the UK, I acquired essential techniques but found a strong emphasis on heritage. This experience deepened my appreciation for Latvia's distinctive culture and encouraged me to explore with a fresh perspective various aspects of history and society, such as colonialism.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: For me it is important to get the technique right, but I also find joy in applying embroidery techniques creatively in diverse contexts, ensuring I master the fundamentals with precision.
Is there something about your work that people do not normally know?: Each artwork demands patient preparation, canvas stretching, and meticulous finishing touches. At my workplace, scissors and needles are aplenty. However, the solitary path presents challenges, as I must navigate every decision, fostering both artistic ingenuity and self-reliance.
What are your sources of inspiration?: It is the Soviet heritage. Studying in the UK, I longed for Mežciems, my neighbourhood in Riga, and its Soviet panel buildings. Nostalgia for it made me fall in love with its legacy. Now, I merge research, history, and creativity.

Elīza Māra is a rising star: she began her career in 2018 and she started teaching in 2019