What is your education?

I studied at Moscow State Stroganov Academy of Design and Applied Arts majoring in design of
embroidery. I also studied at Moscow State Textile Academy majoring in design of textile creations.

What is your professional experience?

I work at RIOLIS for about 20 years and overall, my professional experience is about 30 years.

Did your interest for cross stitch appear in childhood?

I loved drawing since I was little. I went to art school and like many kids, I tried a lot of kinds of needlework:
sewing, knitting and stitching. I wanted to receive a serious art education, so I left my hometown to attend
art school and did not think about needlework at that moment.

How did embroidery become your professional interest?

I chose a major “embroidery artist” at school. This gave me an opportunity in addition to basic subjects
(drawing, painting, composition), to master various embroidery techniques, sewing and designing of
clothes.
We studied folk arts and crafts, styles and ornaments in folk art, costumes, traditions, methods, embroidery
techniques of ethnic groups and regions of Russia. On an internship we made sketches and embroideries.

What did you like about folk art?

Each region has its own ornament, its own colors and techniques. At the same time, motives repeat and
transfuse through the entire layer of culture: the same ornament is found in weaving, embroidery and even
in carving. Similar symbolic elements can be met at the other end of the world – for example, solar signs.
Folk embroidery was symbolic: a myth, story, view of the world was encrypted in an ornament.

Why do you think needlework is needed today?

Like any other creative process, needlework is needed for self-realization. There is a desire to decorate
their home with handmade objects in the nature of every woman. For some needlework is relaxation, for
others – means to fight stress, change of activity and a chance to sit quietly. Additionally, embroidery
contributes to the development of fine motor skills which is useful for both children and adults.

Do you think needlework is a form of art or a craft?

Needlework is a creative process, and the result depends on effort and skill, even stitching according to the
ready-made pattern. The high level of craftsmanship, combined with qualitative pattern and well-chosen
framing brings the work closer to art.

Do you like to cross stitch?

I do, of course – like many things related to needlework. Now it’s my work. My mother stitches mainly my
designs. Our kits are bought by my friends, their mothers and kids, my close and distant relatives, also their
friends and family. And those who do not stitch, love the stitched presents…

Do you stitch your works?

I stitch only fragments while working on a design. I try the threads and alter pieces. To stitch all design
requires a lot of time. Samples for RIOLIS are prepared by experienced stitchers.

How long does it take to create a design?

For example, it took two years to develop kit 100/044 Rider (already discontinued). It was extremely hard
work as it was difficult to select the threads to convey colors of the painting. However, sketch for a kit 1351
White Briar was done much faster. I created this kit from my own watercolor.

Could you tell us more about the creation of one of your designs?

I love our village very much. This is where I spent my summers with my grandparents, where my sons spent
each summer as well. Now I spend part of my vacations there too. I take a lot of photos. I paint flowers that
grow around: rose hips, daisies, bellflowers, rudbeckia, nasturtiums, marigolds, dandelions… All of it
becomes material for creativity, for example, kit 924 Wildflowers.

How were the famous designs with ladies 100/027 Velvet Evening, 100/028 Lilac Evening and 100/045
Forget Me Not created? Did they have real prototypes?

They are collective images created based on examples from early 20th century literature and paintings. One
of the difficulties working on portraits in embroidery for me is creating the image itself and not the
portrayal of a particular face. Of course, I used photos and shots from the movies.

What are your favorite subjects to work on?

Most of all, I like to draw flowers, people and ornaments. Stitched ornaments complemented or replaced
ornamental fabric and textile is also my specialty.

What inspires you in your work?

I think an artist must look and observe a lot: the state of nature, surrounding landscape, architecture, faces
of people and of course, see as much as possible works of art. Impressions accumulate, transform, because
you never know what will turn out to be your inspiration…

Do you communicate with the stitchers? Do you listen to their feedback?

Almost all my friends and relatives cross stitch. Of course, all of them give advice and all of them ask for
specific designs. For example, a friend sent me photos of carousels from her travels which inspired cross
stitch kit 1458 Carousel.
Also, people often come to me during craft shows: they share their impressions, give thanks and advice. I
listen to them and try to use some of the feedback in my work.

What are your creative hobbies and activities besides working at RIOLIS?

I sew. Also, I paint oil paintings – mostly bouquets and still life with flowers.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to read, comfortably sitting where no one interferes. I like watching movies with my family and
travelling. When the summer begins, I feel the need to be on the road.
Whenever possible, I like going to the theatre with my friends or family – mostly I like student
performances. I also like to listen to classical music at concerts, go to art museums and exhibitions.

Who is your favorite artist or artistic direction?

My favorite artist is my husband Sergei Krasavin and my friends – RIOLIS’ designers. Talking seriously, I like
Flemish Renaissance artists, Russian artists of the end of XIX century - beginning of XX century and Vladimir
landscape painters. In the 60s Vladimir developed its own school of landscape painters – it is very
decorative, bright and unlike anything else. My attitude towards modern trends in art is complex.