We recently connected with Sasha Smardak and have shared our conversation below.

Sasha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned to crochet from my roommate and best friend, Antonia Cordo. She taught me to crochet during our sophomore year of college. I instantly loved it and furthered my skills by watching youtube videos and challenging myself to read patterns. Because I am a sculpture major, I wanted to be able to incorporate crochet and fiber arts into my degree field. I don’t believe that I could have sped up my learning process – I am still learning. I just kept practicing and challenging myself – which led to multiple failures and unfinished projects. I do believe that there is no progression of learning without defeat. I think the skills that are most essential in the development of my craft are learning from my failures, as well as, having someone to bounce ideas off of and telling me where I went wrong. Antonia can always look at one of my sculptures and tell me what is working and what is not, which is super helpful. Having someone in your life who can be one of your closest friends and still be able to be critical and objective is an awesome super power.

Sasha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a crochet sculpture artist, and my work focuses on creating large-scale representational sculptures that explore the perception of craft in art. My pieces often incorporate crochet, a traditionally domestic and intimate craft, to create dynamic, sculptural forms that challenge ideas about what craft can be. Using sustainable materials, I aim to bring the viewer’s attention to the physicality and labor of the work. For me, one of the most exciting parts is reimagining crochet as a bold, powerful medium, capable of holding its own in a gallery space alongside other forms of traditional fine art. What I find most special is how these sculptures resonate with the viewers; they encourage people to rethink the value and significance of craft. I want to bridge the gap between craft and high art, inviting people yo see crochet and other “crafts” in a new, elevated light. The process is both challenging and fulfilling, as it allows me to experiment with textures, shapes, and the possibility of scale. Ultimately, I hope my art speaks to the resilience of craft traditions and the endless creative potential they hold.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to make something from nothing. If you give me a few miscellaneous materials, I can create something and I think that is really cool and rewarding.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my opinion, I think that society places their own value onto artists work. I have come across a lot people in non-creative fields that make statements such as, “thats not worth that price” or “I could make it myself for less”, and not to be blunt but go ahead. People who have no idea the time, resources, or materials that go into making a work of art and try to say what it is worth is my biggest pet peeve. If you don’t value the art for what it is worth, without knowing any of the details that went into the creation process, then just say that. I think most artists would agree that if they want to make it themselves then they can go ahead and try. We are better off without others perceiving our work. We rather have genuine support than criticism on things they know nothing about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sashasmardak.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supercooolgrandpa/

Image Credits

“WORKER” – Lia Manfredi
headshot – Rhiannon Shakir