‘I need time and space to make work, but my inspiration most often comes from messes and mistakes.’
Asheville-based fiber artist Nava Lubelski transforms textiles with embroidery that pierces through splashes of stain and color. She fills tears and holes with delicate lace stitching that result in abstract creations. Her piece Chance of Flurries, 2011 is part of the permanent collection at The Mint Museum.
Studio location: Asheville, North Carolina
Nava Lubelski at home with her 7-year-old son.
Who are artists that inspire you and your work?
Lee Bontecou, Louise Bourgeois, Rina Bannerjee, Ghada Amer, Bruce Naumann, Lee Krasner, Tom Friedman, Helen Frankenthaler, and Sarah Sze.
What is your favorite piece or artwork that you created and why?
I’m fond of Day Dreams, 2008. I feel like the simplified color palette highlights the juxtaposition between luscious, detailed stitching and wild, organic splatters. I also am proud of the piece in the Mint Museum collection, Chance of Flurries, 2011.
Nava Lubelski (American, 1968–). Chance of Flurries, 2011, acrylic paint and hand stitching on canvas. Museum Purchase: Funds provided by Mike and Betsy Blair in memory of Catherine Schiff Blair. 2016.31
How does your environment influence your art?
I respond to both chaos and calm. I need time and space to make work, but my inspiration most often comes from messes and mistakes.
The yellow is”Tidying Up, 2020,” acrylic paint, hand-stitched thread and manufactured trimming on canvas.
Are you finding new inspiration for your art during this shift of perspective in the world?
I’m finding it hard to focus on my usual work right now, with a kid at home full-time, and have been playing with more immediate projects, mailing out impromptu handmade books and working on drawings. Luckily, I am an imperfectionist, so I just believe in trying hard and seeing what happens, but it doesn’t have to go a certain way.
What positive perspective changes in society would you like to see come from the pandemic?
I hope we all can learn to see the value in slowing down. I think people are already seeing clearly that things are not and have not been working well for all of us.
What does your daily routine look like now? Have any recommendations for stress relievers to settle after another day done?
My husband has closed his office, so my work space right now is filled with a lot of additional equipment and in turn I’ve sprawled out into the living room. My afternoons tend to be busy with family/dog walks in the woods. Mornings are when I can catch some alone time. I enjoy lying in the dark and seeing what comes. I’m not someone who fears insomnia. I appreciate the quiet and the dark, and the chance to feel what I’m feeling and hear my own thoughts, though they aren’t always pleasant.
“The Deadly Ooh Business, 2020,” acrylic paint, hand-stitched thread, yarn and wire on canvas.
What’s you cooking these days?
I like cobbling together Indian-type meals. I’m not good at following recipes, but I’m pretty good at winging it.
What are you currently reading?
At the moment it’s mostly news, although I read Red Clocks not too long ago. Most of my reading stamina lately seems to be used up by reading Fablehaven to my son.
What is your favorite music choice?
What is your favorite podcast?
For easy entertainment I like Reply All.