“In the intricate tapestry of life, I use my needle as a brush, and threads become my vibrant palette,” – this is the story of Irina Filova, a life storyteller through the knotty art of embroidery. – “This craft has captured my creative spirit for over four decades.” With kilometers of colored threads and countless painstaking hours, she immerses herself in the rhythmic dance of the needle, overcoming pricked fingers and the toil of meticulous work. However, everything fades away when the final stitch is completed, and magic unfolds. Each stitch surprises the artist as colors intertwine, bringing to life the eyes of Van Gogh’s portrait with a vivid gaze.
“Van Gogh is my chosen muse because of his artistic brilliance and the technique that echoes the very nature of embroidered stitches, – Irina continues. – I have translated his masterpieces into threads in ten intricate works, infusing warmth, detailed depth, and profound love for the artist’s oeuvre into each stitch.” Although her journey with Van Gogh was the starting point, the thread now reveals a more profound symbolism – a connection that binds all humanity.
All people are connected by threads, whether visible or invisible. These threads weave through our lives, connecting us through ancestral ties, close bonds, business relationships, or fleeting love. Ribbons, cords, ropes, twisted cloth, umbilical cords – each thread has its unique force, endowed with power, especially when touched by red.

Ancient beliefs describe goddesses-spinners who weave the destinies of individuals and gods alike. Goddess Makosh, revered by the Slavs in medieval times, personifies destiny, motherhood, and fertility. Her threads intertwine destinies in a continuous weave, creating the canvas of the world. The red thread is symbolic of life’s path and a person’s destiny. It represents the intricate connection of past, present, and future. In her art, influenced by folk techniques, each creation seamlessly flows into the next, forming an unbroken thread of destiny.

Many people wear the red thread as an amulet, a commitment to a path of truth, kindness, and good thoughts – a conscious and responsible approach to shaping destiny. The seemingly simple red thread holds great strength, urging us to cherish our past, navigate the present with awareness, and weave a robust thread for future generations. “As I continue to borrow from folk art, I craft not just symbolic pieces but a narrative where every work is interconnected,” – Irina explains. The thread of destiny extends without interruption, inviting all to appreciate the threads that bind us and the consequences of our actions in the vast tapestry of life.
“I share my plans with you,” – says Irina Filova. – The new project consists of three parts and will be completed in three years. The first part is about family, traditions, ornaments, and history. Starting with the birth process and covering the main life stages and stories that a person may encounter. I plan to finish the first part in the fall of 2024 and present it in NY.”
Published By: Aize Perez