FROM LOOP TO DREAM
Ilona Utināne (Latvia)
All great ideas begin with a tiny step. In crochet, it all starts with a simple thread and a hook – modest tools that, in the right hands, can express endless form and feeling. Textile artist and crochet enthusiast Ilona Utināne follows this creative thread with heartfelt passion and dedication to inspire. “From Loop to Dream” is her invitation to embrace creativity, courage, and the power of imagination – all sparked by a remarkable ambition: to crochet the world’s largest hat.
The unconventional initiative stems from the creator’s aspiration to cast the spotlight on the art of crochet by showing that enduring traditional skills can be successfully adapted to contemporary self-expression. The visual and symbolic centrepiece of the exhibition is a monumental wide-brimmed hat – a piece whose sheer dimensions may well set records, but more importantly, defy all expectations. More than a technical feat, this extraordinary object is a celebration of creativity, where the material’s immense potential is more than equal to the unprecedented scale of the idea.
Both the colossal hat and the other featured pieces are crocheted from raffia – a unique natural fibre prized for its lightness, pliability, and resilience. These qualities make it ideal not only for functional pieces but also for pushing creative boundaries. In Utināne’s skilful hands, raffia takes on a new life, bridging the earthy textures of tradition with the playful vibrancy of contemporary design.
Yet Ilona’s vision goes beyond the act of making. She seeks to share her lived experience of crochet by focusing on the sensations and emotions stirred by the creative process. This is why the exhibition includes a video component, adding an extra layer to the viewer’s encounter with the work.
Ultimately, at its core, “From Loop to Dream” is a declaration that creativity lives within us all and that even the most intricate dream can begin with a single loop. The exhibition is a compelling testament that crochet is more than just a craft: it is a language of presence, patience, and possibility that speaks its message loop by tiny loop.
Born in 1977 in Daugavpils, Latvia, Ilona Utināne has led a life shaped by both creativity and discipline. While attending Daugavpils Secondary School No. 4, she trained as a volleyball player at the city’s sports school, graduating in 1995. The focus and sense of teamwork gained through sport have remained central to her personal and professional path.
After completing her secondary education, Ilona studied at RISEBA, where she earned an MBA, laying the foundation for a successful career as an entrepreneur. For over 25 years, she has run her own business, weaving together practical know-how and creative ambition.
Alongside her business pursuits, Ilona is a devoted crochet artist. Her pieces demonstrate exquisite technical skill and a deep respect for the material and the creative process. In combining her entrepreneurial spirit with artistic curiosity, Ilona continues to inspire – one loop at a time.
The exhibition is on view at the Rothko Museum from 17 to 25 May.
Publicity image: Ilona Utināne by Natalja Pilate
