Jakub Święcicki

Macramé maker

©Agnieszka Łońska

©Karolis Milaševičius

©Jakub Święcicki

Where macramé and design collide

Jakub's works are at the intersection of textile design, machine embroidery, macramé and fibre art
In his work, he reinterprets traditional macramé knotting to craft interior decoration objects
He was commissioned to make a textile art panel for the Polish Presidency of the European Union

Textile and fabric have always felt familiar to Jakub Święcicki. He wove his first wall hanging in kindergarten, and experimented with making clothing and interior accessories as a teenager. A graduate of Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Jakub is currently pursuing a PhD at Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow. He has been active as a macramé artist since 2017 and his objects have won multiple awards in Poland and worldwide. He specializes in macramé and fabric manipulation techniques. Jakub’s favourite techniques are faux chenille quilting, machine embroidery, garment construction and tailoring. His works reinterpret traditions by applying modern technologies like machine embroidery software. "My aim is to showcase traditional textile craftsmanship in a completely new light, in a minimalist way," he explains.

Interview

©Piotr Seweryn

Why did you choose to work with textile?: Working with fabric gives me great satisfaction – I am guided by its haptics and soft materiality. When I started out, manual work with fibres was a kind of escape from working at a desk and computer, providing a moment of relaxation for both the eyes and the mind.
Do you train apprentices?: Working at Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, I teach students various subjects related to design. Additionally, at the Institute of Design, I am involved in educational activities and running workshops.
What inspires you to create?: I do not have one, specific inspiration. My work depends on many factors: sometimes I have to respond to a design challenge, other times I have to make a product for a client. I also like working with people, as it gives me new perspectives and impetus.
What do you love most about your craft?: The biggest advantage of my profession is that it can be done anywhere in the world. The visual language I use is key to communication – no words are needed. Then, every week is a bit different, which means that despite the fixed framework, my work has no routine.

Jakub Święcicki is a rising star: he began his career in 2017 and he started teaching in 2017