for the birds
POLISH ARTIST PAULINA BARTNIK
STITCHES UP SOME SWEET
FEATHERED FRIENDS.Who are you and where are you from? My name is Paulina and
I’m an artist from Poland. I run a small graphic design studio with
my partner – most often we work in advertising. In my free time,
I make embroidered bird brooches. It’s my biggest passion, and
the best way to relax.
When did you first pick up a needle and thread? I discovered
embroidery by accident as a teenager, when I found a book about
Polish folk embroidery. I decided to try and learn it by myself.
It came naturally to me because I had a background in various other
fields of art, and I really liked it! I decorated some of my clothes with
floral patterns. But, because embroidery is very time-consuming,
I had to leave it and go back after some years.
What’s your fascination with birds? Are you a big birdwatcher
in real life?Not really. I adore birds, but I watch them only from
my window, where I have a bird feeder. Birds are quite special
and fascinating; it’s not easy to see them in nature. It’s a pity,
because they are really inspiring – they have beautiful shapes,
and interesting colour combinations and patterns.
Do you have a favourite type that you’ve embroidered or would like
to embroider? There are so many kinds of bird and each of them is
unique. I don’t have a favourite. It’s always difficult for me to decide
which one I want to embroider next. I usually choose colourful birds,
but sometimes I like to do monochromatic ones, too. It depends on
my mood. I’d like to stitch all the birds in the world!
How do you make each design so lifelike? Talk us through some
of your techniques. First, I cut out the bird’s shape from felt
sheets. To make it more rounded in some parts, I sew more layers
of felt. Next, I make a general outline of the bird with a needle
and thread, and mark the direction of the feathers. I love to start
from the centre – the eye. It makes the piece of felt come alive.
The beak and other details are the most labour-intensive. For me,
it’s more like a painting process, but instead of paint and brushes,
I use a needle and thread.
How long does a brooch take you to make? It’s hard to say
exactly how long it takes because, of course, I need breaks, and
it’s not my main job. But I think at least four to five days for one
simple portrait of a bird.
When do you find yourself being most creative? Creativity is one of
the most important things in my life. I try to be creative all the time.
My favourite time to work with embroidery is in the evening, when
I can focus and calm down. It’s a very peaceful process.
What are you working on right now? I’m working on a beautiful blue
jay, a woodpecker and a raven. I’m trying to embroider a wolf, too.
Where can we see more of your pretty things? I’m still working on
my website, but you can follow me on Instagram @paulina.bart.look what i made