Ksenia Romantsenko [Sasha Maler]

Multidisciplinary artist and practical storyteller exploring boundaries between art and craft.

Q&A

Artist Statement

For me, the most intriguing element of craft making is story telling by connecting to memories, cultures, and history. My artistic research is heavily influenced by the manual aspect, tactility and the sense of touch. Interconnections between cultures and various artisanal techniques captivate me and help me to find my own voice. The process often holds more value for me than the end result. In my practice I leave a lot of room for experiment, surprise, and playfulness. This is why kawandi inspired quilts excite me so much. I see my practice of slowly stitching fabrics together as a bridge between the past and the future. It reminds me to stay in the present by translating images, memories and inspirations into new pieces of work. I prefer working with the fabrics sourced from thrift shops, old clothes or unwanted pieces from fabric stores to keep waste to a minimum and recycle as much as I can. My recent research is conducted in Jamaica where I reflected on local landscapes, food, heritage, and history. The African origins of kawandi quilts help me to feel a deeper connection with my practice in this location. To me, making quilts is an intimate way to investigate the relationship between the function of the object and the story it unfolds.

How do you start your creative process?

Observation, research, sketchbooks.