A Ukrainian textile artist who recovered from leukaemia is hosting her first solo exhibition

A Ukrainian textile artist who recovered from leukaemia is set to host her first solo exhibition. Lena Archbold moved to the UK in 1994, and she went on to have more than 70 bouts of chemotherapy at Sunderland Royal Hospital, after being diagnosed in 2010.

Her treatment in Sunderland was successful, and it was while recovering that she found a passion and talent for felt making. Since then, she has developed her practice and created a virtual community through her online school, Felt with Lena, that she launched in 2018.

Lena’s first solo exhibition will open at Arts Centre Washington on Thursday, May 23, and the collection, titled ‘Felting Connections’, will feature ten main pieces which reflect both her personal battle with cancer and her nation’s fight against Russian invaders. ‘Felting Connections’ incorporates wall hangings and felt sculptures, with many in the yellow and blue colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Lena said: “I found working and creating in felt helped with my recovery from cancer, as it gave me something to focus on and enjoy, and it kept me busy. Physically, my recovery took about a year, but mentally it took a lot longer and working with felt certainly helped with my recovery. The drugs that I needed to take led to depression which lasted for about seven years.

“I’d been interested in creating and making things since I was five years old, but I was so busy with my career I didn’t have time to think about being creative. While I was recovering from cancer I had the time, and wasn’t physically able to do much more.

“I am passionate about community, learning together, and set up the Felt with Lena Club , to meet, discuss, inspire each other, and learn felt making, fibre dye, upcycling and other types of textile craft. The club is designed for different levels of experience, and the outcome is to enjoy and master felt.”

In solidarity with Ukraine, Felting Connections will feature a special section of yellow and blue felted, crocheted and knotted brooches contributed by artists from around the world. Each unique flower brooch represents an expression of unity they will all be available for purchase, with proceeds going to Ukraine.

Lena added: “Reflecting on each stage of my life, the hurdles I’ve overcome, and the people who supported me has been a deeply rewarding experience. Amid it all, my chosen textile art of felt making has been instrumental in fostering a positive mindset.

“The importance of community, both then and now, holds immense significance for me. I’ve connected with many creatives and artists worldwide, particularly through a collaborative effort to create a yellow and blue flower installation in aid of Ukraine.”

‘Felting Connections’, a free exhibition, will be at ACW until June 20, and for more information, go to the Art Centre Washington website here.