Ika

Behind Ika there is Jessica. With a degree in photography and a self-taught background in various crafts, I have always felt a need to create and explore different ways of doing so. From pottery and crochet to watercolor and embroidery, my curiosity for materials and techniques constantly fuels my practice. Each medium encourages me to look at the materials, shapes, and small details around me in a new light.

In 2019, I discovered embroidery, somewhat by chance. I was immediately drawn to the simplicity of the act and the time it requires. To embroider is to slow down, observe, and build an image, stitch by stitch. Later, linocut printmaking became a natural addition to my practice, offering a more direct approach and the unique beauty of the printed impression.

I am fascinated by what happens when these two techniques meet: the delicacy of thread combined with the boldness of a print, the interplay of texture and line, and the balance between precision and the unexpected. I draw my inspiration from nature, memories, and simple, everyday scenes. Often, it is the subtle, understated things that catch my eye and spark a new creation.

Through my work, I aim to craft simple, sensitive, and textured pieces that reflect an attentive relationship with the world around me. Each piece is handmade, through a process where time, the physical act of making, and a keen attention to detail are integral to the final work. I love the idea that my creations might, in turn, invite others to slow down and look at their own surroundings with fresh eyes.