The exhibition offers a glimpse into our heritage – textiles woven on looms, their patterns, designs and ornaments inherited from old rugs, blankets, traditional woven belts and skirts. This glimpse is somewhat different from what we are accustomed to seeing. The colours have disappeared, as if dissolved in the flowing waters of time, faded beneath the sun of passing days ...
... What remains is the original white and natural grey. And something more.
The exhibition invites us to reflect on the meaning of cultural heritage. Do all the knowledge, experience and handmade creations passed down by our ancestors deserve to be carried forward? How do we choose what to take with us and what to leave behind? What is it that withstands the passage of time and endures across generations?
Veinika Västrik’s Journey
I wove my first rugs on a loom at the age of 17, under the guidance of Kristi Teder, handicrafts teacher at Paide 3rd Secondary School.
Weaving has held an important place in my life since 2001. Since then, I have learned, experimented, researched and shared my knowledge with others. I began my journey at the Antonius Guild weaving workshop in Tartu under the guidance of Marju Jänes. I further developed my skills at the Tallinn Folk High School on a course led by Monika Järg, which opened up an opportunity for me to work as a weaving master, or Monika Järg’s assistant, in the Textile Department of Pallas University of Applied Sciences in Tartu. Teaching textile students alongside her for four years gave me a thorough education in weaving technology. After Monika left Pallas, I continued working there. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues Aet Ollisaar and Kadi Pajupuu, who broadened my world by inspiring and encouraging me to continually push the boundaries of my abilities.
Completing a master’s degree in Heritage Technology at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy gave me the skills to research and experiment with historical textiles. This work has resulted in a master’s thesis on warp-patterned rugs, handbooks on weaving belts and Muhu skirts, and Koome kaltsuvaiba (Weaving a Rag Rug), a practical guide for weavers.
At present, I work at Turgi Craft Farm near Lake Peipus, where I offer three-day weaving retreats that include accommodation and meals. Both beginners who want to weave their very first fabric and more experienced weavers looking to expand their knowledge are welcome to join me. You can learn more about my work on the Turgi Craft Farmlink opens in new page website and on Facebook under the name Veinika Västriku Turgi käsitöötalulink opens in new page.
You are welcome to visit the exhibition located in the University of Life Sciences library until October 29th.
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Chief Bibliographer
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs’ area of responsibility
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