Moths and butterflies have long been the subject of mythology and folklore, with complex and sometimes contradictory symbolism. Artist Larysa Bernhardt is drawn to these winged creatures for their paradoxical nature. While she may fear certain types of moths invading her home due to the damage they can cause to textiles, she is equally fascinated by their beauty and diversity.
Bernhardt’s artistic process begins in her garden, where she tends to a “moon garden” filled with fragrant botanicals like tobacco, moonflower, datura, and jasmine. This garden attracts nocturnal visitors like sphinx and luna moths, as well as fireflies that light up the night sky. During the day, the garden transforms into a colorful oasis, attracting butterflies and bees with vibrant flowers like zinnias, poppies, and roses. This duality of night and day, moths and butterflies, sun and moon, intrigues Bernhardt and serves as inspiration for her work.
Using velvet and vintage textiles, Bernhardt creates sculptural, embroidered moths that capture the elegance and whimsy of these insects. Working with velvet presents its challenges, as the material can be unforgiving with its pile leaving marks if a mistake is made. Bernhardt stitches freehand, allowing her intuition to guide her in creating intricate patterns on the wings of her textile moths. She also incorporates vintage needlepoints and tapestries into her work, giving new life to forgotten textiles found in antique stores.
Bernhardt’s creations are currently on display in exhibitions around the world, including “Daughters of Eve” at Quirky Fox in New Zealand and “Beyond the Sea” at Nanny Goat Gallery in California. She will also be part of a show at Beinart Gallery in Melbourne and is working towards a solo exhibition at Haven Gallery in Long Island, New York. To see more of Bernhardt’s work, visit her website and Instagram profile.
In conclusion, Larysa Bernhardt’s textile moths beautifully capture the dualities of nature and the intricate beauty of these winged creatures. Through her creative process and use of materials, she brings new life to old textiles and explores the complex symbolism surrounding moths and butterflies in mythology and folklore.
