Over the past few days, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible experience I had at the Habitare Fair, where my work was showcased to the public for the very first time. I must admit, I’m still feeling a bit overwhelmed – but above all, I’m grateful and truly happy with how warmly my quilts were received.
The feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive, and it touched me deeply. Many people commented on the fascinating and skillful way I combined colors in my pieces and how refreshing it was to see quilting done in such a modern style. It was also especially gratifying to hear how much the hand-quilting process and the sheer amount of work behind it was appreciated. Although it’s slow and painstaking work, I’m so glad that this level of craftsmanship was recognized and valued.
One of the most interesting aspects of the fair was hearing the different associations and interpretations people had about my work. It was fascinating to listen to how diverse the cultural influences were that people saw in my quilts. Some mentioned an Asian feel, particularly Japanese and Chinese, while others found elements of American, Portuguese, and even Greek aesthetics. This diversity in how people perceived my work was something I hadn’t fully anticipated, and it made the experience all the more enriching.
But what moved me the most was how emotional people became when viewing my work. This meant the world to me because one of my main goals is to evoke feelings and create an experience for the viewer through my art. When someone told me that my work touched them emotionally, I felt like I had truly succeeded – and that is the greatest reward I could receive.
My work exists somewhere on the boundary between craft, art, and design, and also between art textiles and functional textiles. It was heartwarming to hear how many people commented that, for example, the quilted patchwork bedspread I had on display was more a work of art than just a practical object. This reinforces my belief that quilting can be so much more than just traditional textile work – it can be a form of pure visual expression and artistic experimentation.
I’m also thrilled to share that Atelier Veini was highlighted as one of the most delightful surprises and trends of the Habitare Fair by Kotona, the digital home of the home and living magazines from the Finnish A-lehdet publishing house. This recognition was a wonderful addition to an already incredible fair experience. You can find the full article here (in Finnish).
The fair also sparked a few interesting collaboration opportunities, which I’ll share more about when the time is right. Next on my mind is finding a new venue to showcase my work because, as much as I love photography and video, it’s hard to fully convey the essence of my quilts through images alone. I hope to find another opportunity soon where my work can meet its audience once again.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came to see my work and shared their thoughts – this experience has inspired me greatly to keep moving forward.
-Juulia
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