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Interview with Embroidery Artist, Irina Novakovskaya, of Ukraine
By Olena Vinokurova
Artizan Made member since February 2023
This is the first interview done by Olena and we hope that it will be one of many as she knows many creative women in Ukraine.
Olena sells beautiful nunofelt shawls and scarves on Etsy.
The fish bag at the top was embroidered by an amazing woman – Irina Novakovskaya. She embroiders all her work by hand. For her skill, she was chosen as one of the 100 outstanding women of Odessa. Irina Novakovskaya lives in Odessa. Since childhood, she has been confined to a wheelchair (she had an unsuccessful operation on her spine). At the same time, she is full of optimism and love of life. She embroiders bags, souvenirs and icons. When I was preparing for this story, I learned that she embroidered a unique icon, which consists of 100,000 stitches.
https://www.instagram.com/irina.novakovskaya/
https://www.facebook.com/irina.novakovskaya
Where were you born?
I was born in Ukraine, in the best city on Earth—sunny, vibrant Odesa. My parents are also from Odesa, and even my great-grandparents were married here.
How did you learn to do what you do?
When I was a child, I had an unsuccessful spinal surgery that left me paralyzed, and it became clear that I wouldn’t be able to work physically. Even getting any formal education wasn’t possible. My grandmother taught me how to cross-stitch. At the time, it was just something I might use one day, maybe to make a living. And it turned out to be useful, for which I’m very grateful.
Are there other creative people in your family? If yes, please describe what they do or did.
Yes, my grandmother’s sister was an artist, and my brother writes songs. His songs are popular among Odessites on YouTube.
Have you ever sold your work? If not, would you like to?
Yes, I take custom embroidery orders, which helps me a lot. I enjoy feeling needed, earning an income despite my severe disability. It’s very motivating. I’m always open to new orders.
Are there any artists you admire?
No specific artists, but I admire many, and I often see their paintings in my bags and decorative items. There’s so much I’d love to embroider.
How has the war changed your life?
War is terrible. It invades homes, bringing sorrow, pain, and tears. It’s hard to live with constant tension… During air raid alerts, the hallway, where there are two walls, becomes a safe shelter, a place that can protect us from shattered glass. Nothing can protect from missiles. I physically can’t make it to the hallway, so I just hide under a blanket and ask the universe that if it’s my fate to die, then let it be instant, not under the rubble. Our family hasn’t left Odesa. We live here, right now, continuing to live, learn, work, go about our peaceful routines, and love life despite everything.
Do you still have time to create?
Fortunately, yes! I happily take orders, and when it’s something creative, I’m truly overjoyed! I’m currently embroidering a bag shaped like a book featuring a Klimt painting. I enjoy the work, and soon, the bag will go to live with a lovely customer in the U.S.
What makes you happy, especially during these dark times?
Family, friends, and creativity—these are what make me happy.
Is there something you want the world to know?
I want the world to know that war is horrifying, yet despite it all, as long as we are alive, we celebrate sunrises, thank God for sunsets, and cherish each day we spend with loved ones, meet friends, and express ourselves creatively even under bombardment. Cherish peace; it is incredibly fragile.
Examples of Olena’s work.
Visit her shop on Etsy to see what is available.
