Linda Brike is a woman with concise ideas and, above all, with a mind and heart that are in a constant state of harmonious dialogue. In fact, Linda did not decide on a whim to become a fiber artist but simply chose to follow her interests and the creative opportunities that her life has laid out in front of her. Since childhood she has enjoyed creating objects using different techniques but as she was also highly passionate about mathematics and economics, she worked for several years in the commercial sector. It was after the birth of her first child 15 years ago that she, purely by chance discovered needle felting and fell in love with Its simple and pensive process. Now, after a much practice and dedication, she has become a fiber art champion.
Linda, in her studio in Riga, an enchanting city overlooking the Baltic Sea spattered with Art Nouveau buildings, creates magnificent soft sculptures inspired by Nature. Above all, wonderfully colorful parrots with an almost mystical charm.
For us she created Rosella and Kakapo, which you can see here. Using our blend of New Zealand Maori carded wools. Aren't they just wonderful?
We asked Linda a few questions. To get to know her a little better. You will also find interesting reading suggestions below.
What part of your job do you like most?
It's hard to answer because at every stage I find something I love. But if I really must choose one then I would say that it is the initial part, the moment in which a new project gets going. I am excited to find myself in front of all those soft fibers and to know that they will eventually become a work of art that will bestow upon someone joy and memories . The beginning of a project fills me with the feeling that you get in those moments of life when everything seems possible.
Bright colors or pastel colors?
Both. In my work they are complementary because one emphasises the other.
Why parrots in particular?
I like birds in general because their ability to fly is a strong symbol of freedom and because it suggests that we should also look at things from a different perspective, from up high. Furthermore it should be said that I work mainly on commission, which illustrates that the client chooses what they want. And apparently parrots are amongst my most requested items.
While you work in your studio, are you surrounded by ...?
Plants, music, podcasts and audiobooks.
Is it more important to be talented or to work hard?
The way I see it, even people blessed with talented have to work hard to get the most out of it. As though you had to get to know your talent as you would a person, in detail. And such a profound relationship that it can only be reached with time and practice.
The book on your bedside table?
"Women Who Run with the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estes and "Healing Spices: How to use everyday and exotic spices to boost health and beat disease" by Bharat B. Aggarwal.
Hopes for the future?
My greatest desire is to live in a loving, kind and understanding society in which each of us can have a career that fulfils our soul and at the same time allows us to have a a good amount of free time.
How has the pandemic changed your life and your work?
What can I say, I am deeply sorry for all those who have been affected seriously by the pandemic one way or another. However, for me, who is an extremely introverted person, it was a great opportunity to slow down the frantic pace resulting from self-employment, and also having three children and a family. My way of working hasn't changed as I have always worked from my home studio and I continue working from there now. I am very grateful because I have never received so many orders in my life as in the time I have during the pandemic. I had a wonderful time with my children while the schools were closed. We got to know each other in a much deeper way, we had wonderful adventures out in the nature, and we had fun with board games. I also had more time for my yoga, meditation, bike rides, and gardening. Ultimately, you might say that the pandemic has shown me how I would like to live my life from now on, that is to live more serenely, with more simplicity, without being too involved in the frenzy of the world. Without trying to fit in where I don't like. Creating my wonderful world made of my felt works and the people I love.
If you liked this article and you are intrigued by needle felting, or you are simply curious to learn a new artistic technique, then we recommend also reading needle felting in a nutshell.
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