**[Alicja Kozlowska](https://www.cohart.com/alice.kozlow/profile)** is an award-winning artist and designer based in Poland, renowned for her innovative approach to textile art and embroidery. Her works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums across Europe and the United States, including The LAM Museum, Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, MOCAK, Gallery1988, Bargehouse/OXO Tower Wharf, and Palazzo Velli Expo. In 2021, Alicja’s works were recognized and awarded by the prestigious Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery. She has numerous publications in art magazines, like Designboom, Colossal, Textileartist, Elle Decoration, and many others. Her passion is broadly understood textile art and handicraft. Drawing inspiration from everyday life, she seeks to redefine and elevate the perception of fiber art and embroidery, transforming these traditional techniques into contemporary, thought-provoking works of art.

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##### Can you walk us through your creative process? Which materials and techniques have become integral to your work?

I am looking for mass production products that, on the one hand, have an interesting shape and recognizable logo and, on the other hand, can be a tool for articulating ideas. I use a felt pattern as my base. This is probably the most difficult and technical stage. I must first check measurements from the reproduced product, then draw it up into a pattern using my spatial imagination and mathematical skills. I then cut out the skeleton and check my dimensions. It is tedious trial-and-error work. 

Depending on the intended purpose, I then use different fillings and fixing techniques. Then I have to figure out how to pull it all together into a single piece. There is no one golden rule or technique that works across all my pieces. Each work poses a new challenge. When the skeleton of the construction is ready, I start to thread-paint; I embroider by hand and use a sewing machine, then stitch it all together. Lastly, I add final touches.

##### What sets your work apart?

The technique I use is something new. My works are unique also because they are funny and seemingly trivial, but after further reflection, they carry a deep message and potential for interpretation.

##### What emotions or responses do you hope viewers experience when engaging with your art?

Through my art, I aim to challenge perceptions and evoke a sense of heightened awareness in the viewer. Painting by sewing for me is the format to address deeply negative, culturally constructed indifference—a passive disconnection from the world around us. I want viewers to pause, reflect, and feel a sense of discomfort with this indifference.

When it comes to my sculptures, my goal is to inspire a shift in perspective. I want people to realize that art exists in even the most ordinary everyday items that often go unnoticed. I hope viewers come away with a new appreciation for the hidden beauty and creative potential that surrounds them in their daily lives. Ultimately, I want my work to leave an emotional imprint: to stir thought, break apathy, and inspire a deeper connection with both art and the world at large.

##### How do you approach starting a new piece of artwork? Is there a particular routine or mindset that helps you begin?

I don’t have any routine; my process unfolds naturally. It usually begins with a specific idea, and once inspiration strikes, I have to dive in immediately because it completely takes over my mind! I work mainly when I’m inspired (which is luckily very often). Once I start, I can’t stop—it’s absolutely addictive for me.

##### How do you handle moments of doubt or insecurity about your work?

It's tricky... When I finish a piece, I often struggle to appreciate it right away. Instead, I’m quick to spot everything I could have done better or differently. Over time, I’ve learned the value of stepping away once the work is complete. By giving myself a break and not looking at the sculpture for a while, I can return with fresh eyes. It makes a world of difference!

##### Do you envision your artistic journey evolving in the coming years?

I think it will definitely change at least a little. I already noticed that my style and approach to work has changed a lot compared to how I started. I myself am curious how it will evolve :) I believe much of this change will be driven by the new techniques I’m exploring and incorporating into my embroidery. That said, I’ll likely remain rooted in textile art, it’s my true passion and what I love the most.

##### What lets you know a piece is complete? Is it an instinct, a feeling, or something else?

It's hard to say... I think it's just something you know. There’s an intuitive sense that tells you when a piece is complete. That said, it’s not always easy to resist the urge to keep adding and changing. But at some point, you have to trust that instinct and let the work stand on its own.

##### Have any social expectations or family influences shaped or challenged your identity as an artist?

I think it played a big role in shaping my identity as an artist, but luckily, in a positive way. I am fortunate that my environment, especially my family, have always been very supportive of my artistic career. They gave me the freedom to choose my own path and decide for myself what I wanted to pursue in life, and I chose art. For that, I am truly grateful.

##### What’s the most unconventional material or technique you’ve experimented with in your art?

I have worked with a lot of materials and techniques. Secretly, my ultimate goal is to try all of them, though I’m not sure that’s entirely realistic :)

One of the most memorable experiences was working with glass, which felt completely different from my usual practice. During an internship at a glass factory, I had the chance to learn about glass forming and glass blowing. It is a wonderful material and I would love to use it more in my textile pieces.

##### Is there a sculpture that stands out as particularly challenging or memorable for you to create?

The sculpture called ‘[Andy](https://www.alicesidea.com/portfolio-collections/performances/%22andy%22)’ is particularly close to me. It is a banana peel, inspired by Andy Warhol’s banana. It wasn’t particularly difficult to make, but it was my first work exhibited at the museum (LAM in Lisse, Netherlands). ‘Andy’ was also the first sculpture I used in my 'performances'. I surprised people by placing it in crowded areas and then watched people’s reactions. They were usually positive.

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Alicja Kozlowska’s embroidery and textile art blend humor, deep reflection, and innovative techniques to challenge perceptions and inspire connection.

Spotlight: Alicja Kozłowska on Pushing the Boundaries of Textile Art

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