Today we’d like to introduce you to Masha Kakhova.
Hi Masha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am a designer, fiber artist, educator, and advocate for “slow fashion.” I live and work in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by beautiful nature and wonderful people. I create original artworks – functional and decorative. I teach classes, exhibit my work, and sell my art on Etsy and textile markets. My creations include hats, scarves, bags, home decor, and accessories, each of them unique and special, inspired by Michigan nature, art, music, books, and people’s stories. I am also a member and vice president of a local group of fiber artists called “Woodland Weavers and Spinners Guild.” Besides my artistic pursuits, I’m also a mom, wife, gardener, and violin player.
My journey began years ago when I moved to the US from Eastern Europe, where I was raised in a family immersed in beautiful art and architecture. I had a background in creative services and worked for clients and companies in busy cities, using my artistic talents and technical skills with computers. However, life changed when I became a mother, and my family moved to a serene city on the shores of Lake Superior in Northern Michigan. There, I embraced a slower pace, reconnecting with nature and exploring more organic ways of living, such as gardening, crocheting like my Russian grandmother, horseback riding, and playing the violin, my childhood instrument.
My introduction to fiber art came when I lost my beloved dog, Rovi. I took a bit of his fur and made my first needle-felted bear, keeping his soft fur and cherished memories close. From that point, fiber art became my passion, leading me to take classes and experiment with various materials. Over time, I became a professional fiber artist, drawing on my skills in arranging forms and combining colors from my background in computer graphics.
As a vice president of our guild, I have the opportunity to promote and educate people about various fiber arts disciplines. I firmly believe that traditional handmade crafts and arts should coexist with technological and scientific advancements. Exploring new recycled and eco-friendly fibers offers fresh perspectives and opportunities. We should always stay connected to our natural surroundings, appreciating and preserving the gifts from our land, such as plant and animal fibers, nature dyes, and more.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The pandemic and the move to another city presented some challenges for me, as it did for many other artists and entrepreneurs. However, I chose to make the most of this slow time by focusing on self-education and finding new ways to connect with others. I embarked on creating my YouTube Channel, which has now garnered hundreds of subscribers, and I took online writing courses to enhance my copywriting skills. Familiarizing myself with tools like Zoom became essential, just like it did for most of us during that period. These newfound skills enabled me to teach and present remotely, proving that difficult times can strengthen and improve us if we are open to embracing new ways of doing things.
Relocating, on the other hand, is never an easy task. Leaving behind students, clients, and supporters meant starting from scratch once again. Nevertheless, this transition also brought opportunities to meet new people, broaden my perspectives, and achieve even more. Engaging with the “Woodland Weavers and Spinners Guild” here in Grand Rapids holds great promise, not only for myself but also for our local artists’ communities. I’m currently working on fresh programming for the upcoming year, which will introduce new educational events to our yearly routine. These initiatives will undoubtedly open new horizons and foster growth within our creative circles.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Wool, silk, and other natural fibers are my favorite materials, with felt making being my greatest passion, allowing me to express individual flair and personality through fabric art.
Apart from felting, I explored spinning, weaving, and dyeing, with a particular fascination for natural dyes.
Driven by my passion for sharing knowledge, I founded “Felting with Marikah,” a school where artists and the general public can learn the craft of felt-making through in-person and online classes. I feel proud when my students become as good or even better than I am.
For me, handmade goods created with love and unique artistic vision hold immense value. Gifts made with passion and care are truly special. And above all, I believe in the power of continuous self-expression and creation.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I meet talented people on my journey and am grateful to my teachers, students, subscribers, and customers for inspiring and driving me. Feeling needed and appreciated is crucial, motivating me to approach my work seriously.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marikah.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marikah.fiberart?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@FeltingwithMarikah
Image Credits
Masha Kakhova
