Katalin Kovacs

Weaver

©Asociația WhyWeCraft

A second life in weaving

Katalin only works with natural yarns such as cotton, wool, linen, hemp and silk
She owns 12 looms
Her daughter inherited her passion for weaving

Katalin Kovacs discovered the art of weaving by chance in 2012, when she bought a loom for her sister. A civil engineer by profession, Katalin previously worked in the design of roads, bridges and structures, and had never considered learning a craft. She was drawn to weaving while looking for teachers to help her sister. Little did she know that this would change the trajectory of her life, and that her own passion for weaving would grow. She soon bought her own loom. Katalin started out making rugs and carpets from textile waste and wool, and now makes all kinds of textiles, from interior decoration items to clothing. She is one of the artisans involved in the WhyWeCraft Association, which supports the merge of traditional knowledge with sustainable design processes.

Interview

©Asociația WhyWeCraft

©Asociația WhyWeCraft

How do you integrate tradition and modernity in your work?: I draw inspiration from traditional motifs, but I do not reproduce them in their entirety. My weavings include symbols that I discover around me, as my observations help me to translate everyday patterns into textiles.
What do you love the most about your craft?: I love the peace of mind it gives me. When I sit down to weave, the interaction with the yarns, colours and the slow movement of the loom dispels any worries. I have endless possibilities to experiment with patterns, shades and techniques, and my choices reflect my mood. I also like that no two objects are identical.
What does well made mean to you?: A piece is well made when I am satisfied with the result. Once you have made a mistake, it is difficult to undo the weave. I am usually very careful, but when there is a flaw, I cannot go on as if nothing happened. If something goes wrong with a large piece, I will transform it into smaller items.
What does this craft mean to you now?: It is a profession I would never give up, especially as I have invested a lot of energy, time and financial resources into it. I currently have all the necessary tools for a fully equipped workshop that can produce on a larger scale, including the raw materials, from wool for carpets to the finest yarns.

Katalin Kovacs is a master artisan: she began her career in 2012 and she started teaching in 2017