QUILTING
Migle Sleny
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, my name is Miglė. It has been almost a year since I started to identify myself as a quilter. I make patchwork and turn it into quilts and clothing. Now I mostly work on custom orders, mainly on patchwork vests and jackets.
What drew you to quilting?
I think that curiosity and the search for other mediums drew me to quilting. And then after I got into it, the charm of the process of making your absolutely unique fabric that can be used in so many ways, has blown and still blows my mind.
Where did you grow up? How do these places, people, and textile traditions are now manifesting in your craft?
I grew up in a small town in Lithuania. All of my life, until I left to study in the city, I have visited my grandmother's homestead in nature every weekend. I still do it whenever I have a chance. I believe nature and slow living is absolutely embedded in my body. Even though I haven't realized it before in my earlier years, now I´m aware that this way of living is the truest to me. Things like to take care of your land, growing your own food, and to be involved in crafts in your free time as grandmother used to. So I believe that this pace of living and using resources wisely really echoes in quilting and that is why I like it.
What are the process and the thinking behind your pieces?
My process really varies. Sometimes I have a piece of beautiful plant-dyed fabric and start building a concept around it. Sometimes I start with the color pallets, moods, and shapes I want to create. I usually buy linen off-cuts, thrift textiles, or upcycle second-hand clothing for my work. All of that also offers me a lot of playfulness and sometimes dictates my ideas.
Who and what inspires you?
Many things inspire me. Probably everything around can inspire a color selection. Other textile artists inspire me with their unique styles. Nature inspires me with its mood and atmosphere.
We know that you are often working in nature. How do you feel about working with your hands in nature? Can you tell us more about the impact that it has on your happiness and well-being?
It is so nice that you put a focus on this. Being in nature and in dear places is crucial for my well being therefore for my creativity. I can finally let go of all assumptions and socially acceptable models of living and performing for society and just be. Try to fill my mind with void and then clearly hear my own thoughts in that void. I never succeed in that in the city which is just too full and fast for my mind. Being in nature has been a part of my life for many years so that is just crucial for me.
How do you keep an open mind for finding delight in trial & error and respond creatively to the challenges of quilting?
I think with time I got used with the feeling that I already have a reward, a beautiful thing I am creating is already in my mind or halfway done so I "have" it already. I thought of it already, it is mine. This way, all the bumps don't scare and annoy me that much anymore. I am a parent as well, so I really try to model relationships with errors as best as I can. It happens, you deal with it and you move forward.
Where do you think lies the most significant potential to preserve important local crafts and traditions?
I believe that the solution is slowing down. I think that in these recent years, we have been reminded of the fragility of the planet earth and human life. Slowing down and making something with your own hands, moving into nature, and growing your own food are becoming a priority to many of us. Having a true relationship with the planet and world we are living in is crucial for our next generation. Just grow your tomatoes and crochet in a garden and someone most likely will want to try it too.
What upcoming projects make you excited right now?
Every project I am up to is really exciting for me because they all are so different. But I am really looking forward to finding some time in between commissions and making myself a memory quilt from my brother's clothes and mine.
Where and how can people engage more with your work?
I mostly share my works on Instagram @m.o.s.s.o.m and on my website www.mossom.eu.
All pictures belong to Miglė
