Welcome, tufting enthusiasts, to another illuminating interview on the TuftingShop Ambassadors blog!
Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Oleg, a 32-year-old artist hailing from Lithuania, whose tufting journey is as unique as the vibrant rugs he creates. Let's dive into Oleg's story and discover the inspiration behind his captivating tufted creations.
Discovering the Energy of Creativity in a Monastery
Oleg's journey into the world of tufting is steeped in a rich background. Having spent five years in a monastery, he experienced firsthand the profound energy of creativity. This energy, as Oleg describes, sweeps away routine thoughts, instills a sense of purpose, and brings happiness to both the creator and those who behold the art. Supported by his girlfriend and two children, Oleg found strength in this creative pursuit.
A TikTok Moment Sparks the Tufting Passion
The spark that ignited Oleg's passion for tufting came from a TikTok video showcasing a craftsman creating a carpet from scratch. This sight propelled Oleg into the world of tufting, prompting him to delve into learning the craft and acquiring the essential tools.
Tufting: A Unique and Exciting Hobby
Oleg experimented with various hobbies before stumbling upon tufting. To his surprise, tufting emerged as the most captivating and exciting of them all. The joy of creating rugs, a skill he never thought he possessed, fueled his newfound hobby.
From Dream to Reality: Tufting Full-Time in Lithuania
In April 2022, Oleg commenced his tufting journey. After half a year of dedicated work and saving, he transitioned to tufting full-time in his homeland, Lithuania. Now, after 1.5 years, he continues moving steadfastly toward his dream.
Materials, Guns, and Artistic Challenges
Oleg's preferred materials are vibrant acrylic threads, both economical and suitable for children. Dreaming of working with wool, he enjoys playing with various pile lengths for added texture. His go-to tufting guns are the AK-1 and AK-3. Currently, he finds immense joy in crafting detailed beetles, using real macro photographs as inspiration, adding unique challenges to each rug.
Tips for Aspiring Tufters and Overcoming Challenges
For those starting in tufting, Oleg recommends learning from other masters, paying attention to technique details, and, most importantly, persevering despite mistakes. Oleg draws inspiration from the YouTube channel @SamMadeThat and is continually surprised by the boundless creativity of others.
Dreams Woven into Tufted Beauty
Looking ahead, he aspires to learn furniture making, create large carpet paintings, participate in exhibitions, and ultimately, inspire and astonish people with his creations.
As Oleg continues to explore new frontiers in tufting, from crafting shopping bags to experimenting with gabilene, his resilience and passion shine through. Today, he shares a valuable insight: perseverance is key in the world of tufting. Success often comes to those who dedicate themselves to the craft, even if it means creating for free in the first 6 months or even longer.
In Conclusion
Oleg's journey into tufting is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and resilience. We thank Oleg for sharing his story, and we look forward to witnessing the continued growth of his tufting dreams. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from TuftingShop Ambassadors!
