Masha Kakhova
I am a fiber artist living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I transform wool, silk and other natural fibers to create sustainable, one-of-a-kind wearable art, accessories and home décor.
With as many interesting textures as there are breeds of sheep, the ability of wool to felt and transform into unique, natural fabric is as fascinating as the varieties of grapes that ferment to become unique vintages of wine.
I use this amazing raw material to create fabric art for my friends, my family, and others who find joy in this art form. And that brings me joy, to create something magical from my own hands. I embrace the idea of living sustainably, and “doing it yourself.” I love experimenting with natural dyes, floral embellishments and beading to create one-of-a-kind pieces that express the wearer’s personality and flair.
I was first inspired to try the art of felt-making when I lost my wonderful dog, Rovi. As a remembrance, I took a small bit of his fur. And from that, I made my first needle-felted bear that is still with me, holding Rovi’s soft fur and many sweet memories.
From then on, felting became my passion and I never looked back. I took many classes in sewing, spinning, knitting, dyeing, and eco-printing – both in the U.S. and in my native Russia.
Because of requests and also wanting to share my love for wool and natural fibers crafting, three years ago I began offering classes. A few of my students have now made felting their favorite hobby and some have turned their craft into a small business.
I am grateful to my sheep, who provide me such a wonderful canvas to express my creativity. I’m also so thankful and grateful for my family and friends for their support and love.
My Biography
I obtained my Master’s degree in computer science. I later received training as an animator and computer graphics specialist. I began my career on television, and later moved into advertising and publishing, where I worked as a graphic designer, photographer and an art director. But my love of crafting, learned at young age from my Russian grandmother, eventually drew me from computers and technology to the world of art and nature, with its physical textures and shapes. I enrolled in a variety of private and group classes and I learned the techniques of fiber arts and felting from internationally recognized designers and felt-makers and began a new career as a professional fiber artist.
I am always learning and creating, and I love passing my knowledge on to others. My favorite subject is wool felting, which I teach in my Felting with Marikah classes. My goal is to promote art and sustainable living, and bring the natural beauty of our world into our lives and our homes through different forms and colors.
I am an active member and a President of a local group of fiber artists called “Woodland Weavers and Spinners guid.” Together with my colleagues, I organize meetings, exhibitions, Textile Markets, and educational events. Please, feel free to contact me if you are interest to learn more about fiber arts and our guild.
