I was delighted to take part in the Craftwork 4.0 All project, which brought the Craft Movement Happening – Tapestry Creation to Košice. At the same time, a mobility program hosted Spanish participant Mariana Piñar Castellano, who explored the Slovak technique of indigo blueprint (modrotlač) and combined it with traditional Spanish patterns from her home region.
The workshop took place at the Textile Center Košice, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about textile arts and building a library of textile materials. Led by Daniela Ferenčíková, a textile artist and expert active in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, the center provided both space and professional mentoring to Mariana during her residency. Daniela’s original artistic tapestries have been exhibited across Europe (e.g., Berlin) and globally (for example in the USA).
As part of a creative group of twenty women, I immersed myself in the vibrant atmosphere and took part in the creative process that I will describe in the following lines. I also spent inspiring moments with Mariana, observing her artistic journey as she developed a series of scarves decorated with traditional indigo printing.
A magical beginning
Both the Craft Movement and Mariana’s mobility residency began on the symbolic date of Monday, July 7. The program opened with a lecture on the history, future, and functionality of materials. I was fascinated by the stories of Slovak textile factories and the unique properties of materials such as hemp, which can be used in construction, fashion, and healthcare.
By the end of the day, under the guidance of the workshop leader, the participants brainstormed and defined the central theme for the tapestry: feminine and natural energy. This theme flowed organically into the creative process and became embodied in the final collective artwork – an expression of energy, water, and nature.
Mariana’s indigo journey
I met Mariana on the first day as we outlined her activities for the coming week. On Tuesday, she visited the East Slovak Museum, where she met ethnologist Ľudmila Mitrová, who introduced her to the traditional Slovak blueprint technique. Mariana learned how wooden printing blocks were once used as “stamps” to imprint patterns on fabric. Prior to her arrival, she had already studied Slovak modrotlač through the publication “Olga Danglová: Blueprint in Slovakia.”
On Wednesday, participants of the Craft Movement Happening visited ÚĽUV Košice, where Daniela presented the concept of the online Textile Materials Library. She also brought physical samples of innovative materials – algae-based fibers, hemp yarn, and even wool blended with pig bristles – giving attendees the chance to touch and explore new textures. This inspiring lecture sparked discussions about the future of textiles in both Slovak and global contexts.
A creative expedition and process
On Thursday, Mariana and I set off on an adventurous search for linden wood blocks to carve printing patterns. Finding the right material turned out to be a challenge, but with a little networking, we discovered Mstein, a Košice-based company specializing in woodcarving tools. Mariana was able to purchase high-quality chisels and linden wood, enabling her to begin her artistic process.
By Friday, back at the Textile Center, the group of women had already completed a crucial step: stretching the warp on the tapestry frame. With Daniela’s guidance and her wide selection of materials, they incorporated natural tones and diverse textures into the collective artwork, resulting in a beautifully harmonious piece.
Final touches and mutual inspiration
The following Tuesday, we visited Slovak fashion designer Mišena Juhász, who also works with indigo blueprint, blending it with silkscreen printing techniques. Inspired by her insights, we returned to Košice where Mariana continued her project, carving wooden blocks with motifs typical of her home region – pomegranates, birds, and leaves. In the final stage, she dyed her fabrics with indigo, revealing the stunning printed patterns on five unique scarves.
Meanwhile, the collective tapestry also neared completion. A memorable moment came when the participants and Mariana dyed yarns and fabrics together, exchanging knowledge and experiences in a vibrant cross-cultural dialogue.
“A heartfelt thank you for letting me be part of this wonderful workshop. It gave me so much – not only in terms of knowledge and inspiration but also on a human level. I felt truly welcome among all the participants and with you and Danka as well.”
— Tatiana, a participant of Craft Movement Happening
Conclusion
The intersection of the Craft Movement Happening in Košice and Mariana Piñar Castellano’s mobility residency showed how a shared passion for craft can connect countries and cultures.
We are deeply grateful to all the participants for their energy and trust!
Craft Movement Happening and Marianna Piñar Castellano’s mobility (from partner organization Espronceda) are part of the Craftwork 4.0 All project supported by the Creative Europe program.