Elīza Māra
hand embroidery specialist
I make art freelance, design and stitch on commission basis, research Soviet heritage and Post-Soviet living since my BA in 2020 and have been interpreting Soviet heritage in stitch ever since.
I have my BA from Royal School of Needlework in 2021 in Hand Embroidery, the major project LV-1079 was about longing to return home to my family apartment in microdistrict Mežciems while living abroad in London and the struggles of living between 2 countries.
Currently getting my Masters from Latvian Academy of Culture in Cultural Heritage Governance and Communication, which involved an internship for Ieva Jakuša and Blockhouse.Community assisting with project for Riga's summer programme 2023. During this period I have researched more of Soviet heritage and Post-Soviet living which heavily drives my creative practice, and as of now I am working on my thesis Manifestations of Contested Heritage in the Urban Environment: Soviet-era Apartment Building Development in Riga from the Perspective of Different Generations.
brand strategy
vision
Elīza Māra Studio is dedicated to redefining hand embroidery as a contemporary art form, offering interpretations of Soviet heritage that engage with cultural history. The studio aims to create works that narrate stories and evoke emotions, bridging generations through art.
mission
Studio's mission is to make contemporary embroidery and heritage interpretation integral parts of art collectors' portfolios and the collections of craft and heritage enthusiasts. The studio is committed to raising awareness and deepening appreciation for this contested cultural heritage.
values
interpetation
I value the creative reimagining of cultural heritage through contemporary embroidery. This principle underscores the studio's dedication to transforming narratives into modern art forms, ensuring they resonate with contemporary audiences and collectors.
emotion
Central to Elīza Māra Studio is the aim to evoke emotion and narrate stories through art. This value highlights the studio's focus on creating pieces that possess aesthetic appeal and forge connections with individuals, bridging the gap between past and present generations.
awareness
Elīza Māra is committed to enhancing awareness and appreciation of contested and underrepresented Soviet and Post-Soviet cultural heritage. This commitment is reflected in the studio's efforts to educate and engage a diverse audience, promoting a deeper understanding and respect for cultural histories expressed through embroidery.