Craft

Yulia Ustinova: Sculpting with Crochet – From Traditional Craft to Artistic Masterpieces

How a Russian Artist Transforms the Humble Crochet into Striking Sculptures of Unconventional Women, Merging Family Tradition and Formal Art Training

17 October 20241.1k Views

I don’t know exactly how, but the idea came to me one day—combining my love for crochet with sculpture, says Yulia Ustinova, a Russian artist who transforms the traditional craft of crochet into bold, unconventional sculptures.

Her work celebrates the forms of ‘big women,’ or “tetki” in Russian, a term that refers to uneducated, ungroomed women. These figures, full of personality and presence, reflect her unique vision and the blending of art forms. Born into an artistic family, Ustinova was surrounded by creativity from an early age. Her mother, a sculptor with a talent for handiwork, taught her how to crochet when she was just five years old. Her father, a book illustrator, also influenced her artistic journey. At the age of 11, Ustinova took a significant step by enrolling in a professional art school, where she studied at the Academy of Pictorial Arts. There, she honed her skills in painting, graphics, and sculpture, all while continuing to crochet during her spare time.

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Crochet became a medium through which Ustinova could express both her creativity and technical skill. From simple toys and clothes to interior decorations, she experimented with the craft, but it wasn’t until later in her career, while working as an illustrator, that the idea to merge crochet with sculpture took hold. Her works challenge traditional expectations of both crochet and sculpture, transforming yarn into three-dimensional figures that are both whimsical and profound. By incorporating the tactile, handmade quality of crochet with the formal structures of sculpture, Ustinova bridges the gap between craft and fine art.

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