We got to talk to Katerina and ask her some questions about her stunning embroidered work. Firstly, the artist shared with us what inspired her to pursue embroidery as a primary artistic medium: “Embroidery allows me to bring my artistic vision to life in a tactile and visually striking way. I was drawn to the intricate nature of embroidery, and the ability to create three-dimensional textures adds depth and dimension to my work, making it more engaging and dynamic for viewers.”

Asked to give us a glimpse into the creative process of a new embroidery piece, Marchenko said: “My creative process often begins with a spark of inspiration from various sources such as nature, fashion, or emotions. I sketch out rough ideas and concepts, but I often let the embroidery itself guide me as I work, allowing for spontaneous creativity and improvisation. I meticulously select threads and fabrics to bring my vision to life, and each stitch is carefully placed to create the desired texture and effect. The process is iterative, with adjustments made along the way until the piece feels complete.”

The artist has also told us more about some challenges she encounters when working with threads and tulle to create intricate and detailed images: “Working with threads and delicate fabrics like tulle requires a high level of precision and patience. Achieving intricate details can be time-consuming and challenging, as every stitch must be carefully executed to maintain the integrity of the design. Tulle presents its own set of challenges, as it is transparent and delicate, requiring careful handling to ensure that the embroidery remains secure and visually impactful.”

We learned that back in 2020, Katerina got to work with Gigi Hadid and V Magazine. We were wondering if the artist could give us more details on the collaboration. We found out: “The collaboration with Gigi Hadid and V Magazine was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. Together, we created a powerful visual narrative that captured the essence of the quarantine period. Through our collaboration, we aimed to convey the universal experience of the pandemic and the sense of unity and solidarity that emerged during this challenging time.”

Marchenko continued: “The central theme of our collaboration was the concept of wearing masks as a symbol of global solidarity and collective responsibility. We wanted to emphasize that in the face of a pandemic, we are all equal, regardless of our profession or background. The girl in the mask depicted in our embroidery piece represents the everyman – she could be a doctor, a nurse, an artist, or an ordinary passerby. By portraying her as a universal figure, we sought to highlight the shared experience of wearing masks and other personal protective equipment for the greater good of global security.”

Working with Gigi and the team at V Magazine allowed us to amplify this message and reach a wider audience. The editorial spread in V Magazine provided a platform to showcase our artwork and communicate our message to the world. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to collaborate with like-minded individuals who shared our passion for using art as a means of social commentary and reflection.”

“Overall, the collaboration with Gigi Hadid and V Magazine was a testament to the power of art to inspire change and provoke thought. It was a privilege to contribute to such a meaningful project, and I am grateful for the opportunity to use my creativity to address important social issues and spark meaningful conversations.”

Finally, Katerina shared with us more about her upcoming projects: “I'm currently working on expanding my repertoire to include larger-scale installations and immersive art experiences that explore the intersection of embroidery, fashion, and contemporary art.

Additionally, I'm excited to continue collaborating with artists, designers, and brands that share my vision for pushing the boundaries of traditional embroidery and creating innovative and thought-provoking art.”