17 Needlepoint Moth Sculptures Crafted By Larysa Bernhardt

Originally hailing from Ukraine and currently based in Missouri, Larysa Bernhardt claims she was “born with a needle in one hand and scissors in the other”. She was influenced to explore the world of embroidery by having a history of family members who also dabbled in textile artistry. 

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Bernhardt’s designs are often embellished with a unique blend of appliqué, beading, and embroidery. Her textured creations pay homage to a variety of influences ranging from Chinese culture to vintage textiles. Beginning with a structured sketch, Bernhardt’s creations quickly develop into a more organic form of expression as she evolves with the natural flow of the journey to discovery, resulting in a spontaneous and authentic product.

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In an interview with DeMilked, she revealed her passion for needlework began in her early childhood when she realised she was gifted. Bernhardt added, “From early on, I knew how I wanted stitches to look and what I had to do to get them to look this way. I always had a ‘project’ and didn’t mind the long hours it took to complete. I hear many artists talk about having ‘imposter syndrome’, but I never felt this way. I’ve been working with a needle since I was five, what other proof do I need? I know what I’m doing.” 

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Despite this confidence in her technique, Bernardt mentioned that she is still quite anxious about public opinion of her projects. “There is absolutely no knowing how they will resonate”, she revealed, “It’s something I used to worry about a lot – being misread and misinterpreted – but I’m slowly coming to the realisation that it may and will happen, and there is nothing I can do about it.”

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Explaining a little more about the concepts influencing this particular art form, Bernhardt divulged, “My pieces are about feelings first and foremost and all the characters – trees, birds, flowers – they’re stand-ins for feelings and emotions. My art is not about some clear idea as I believe that we already tend to overthink everything. Also, sometimes words are inadequate, almost hollowed, and worn out with overuse. Feeling happy – what it actually feels like? Does it feel the same to an adult as to a child? Does it make you want to share it with the world? Or keep it to yourself? And get more, maybe by taking it away from others? That’s how my ideas develop – I feel this way, how do you feel about this? It’s a conversation you hold with yourself, the only person you can be (and must be) completely honest with”.

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Embellishing further on her creative goals, Bernhardt said, “The things I create always change, morphing from year to year, taking different shapes and meanings, and my head is always full of ideas for my next needlework. Right now, I am into wall panels and wired sculptures. Who knows what I will be doing next year, but it won’t be dull!”