The first time I learned the art of Janyak was in 2020 during the pandemic, when Tumo Studios announced an online opening class Janyak led by an artist, designer and embroidery conservator Mariam Gharibyan.

Amidst the chaos of war in September 2020, our small embroidery community became a sanctuary— an escape and a space for collective healing. Our hands projected on the screen and Mariam making loops and knots, are the loops and knots that we told our stories with. It felt natural for me to tie those knots and loops around my toes, suddenly the weight of my needle lace toes felt lighter.

Now, I share this skill through workshops, and invite you to explore the lightness of being present in making the knots and connect to the history of craft.

First exhibited at mi536 event Bloom.