Eliška Čechovská: I'm rooting for anyone who isn't afraid to revive traditions
*Eliška (28) ★ illustrates and embroiders under the brand Vyšiju -> aims to spread the beauty of folklore and preserve the tradition for future generations ✗ enjoys books, nature and cooking for her loved ones
What does folklore and tradition mean to you? When and why did this area attract you so much that you founded Vyšiju?
For me, folklore and traditions are a constant anchor and certainty in today's rapidly changing world. I found my way to them only in adulthood. I grew up in Moravia somewhat surrounded by it all and I took folklore for granted. It was only from my time abroad and then subsequent studies at university in Pilsen, that my passion for folklore began to gradually grow. It was in Pilsen that I created my first folklore embroideries, and unknowingly, it all resulted in my current work under the brand Vyšiju.
"I found out that there are no quality goods available in the Czech Republic that would represent our country and its traditions."
Your mission is to spread the beauty of folklore to the world and to pass on traditions to the next generations. Why is this important to you?
I believe that thanks to traditions we can find the right values in anything. For example, it is incredible how many customs are associated with caring for nature. When I compare it with today's approach, I often feel that we are just taking from it. I think that things like tradition, continuity and humility are especially important nowadays.
And why do I want to spread the beauty of folklore further and further? Once, I wanted to send a postcard and I stumbled upon it. I found out that in the Czech Republic there are no quality goods that represent our country and its traditions. Even sending one tasteful postcard was a problem. And if we want to preserve and pass on our traditions, isn't a meaningful and pleasing presentation the best way? After all, there is also an interest in folklore in the world – the proof is in the orders I ship!
“I believe that thanks to traditions we can find the right values in anything.”
Do you think that respect for traditions is generally disappearing?
Certainly not, I rather perceive the opposite. There is more and more interest not only in traditions. But it must be said that everyone feels and shows respect differently – there’s nothing wrong with that, of course. Some are not afraid to experiment more, and others stick to exact rules. I also see traditions and customs being revived in various places across the country that have not been held in that place for several decades. Sometimes, unfortunately, it is accompanied by overly critical comments from those around, most often aimed at traditional national costumes and their appearance. This always makes me sad. I'm rooting for anyone who isn't afraid to revive traditions and still enjoy it.
Embroidery is becoming an increasingly popular activity, why do you think it is like this?
Whether it's embroidery, leavening or other handcrafts, everything is pretty hip right now. Creating with your hands, brings peace and relaxation. Especially nowadays, we need to turn off everything around us occasionally and just play, relax and slow down.
“Creating with your hands brings peace and relaxation.”
How did you learn how to embroider and what does working with your hands mean to you?
I am self-taught in embroidery, I only started a few years ago. In our family, we have, among other things, several parts of older traditional national costumes. And I kept hearing how complicated the embroideries on them are and that nobody can do it nowadays. So, I simply sat down once, tried it and found out that it was nothing complicated. Since I have been involved in illustration since high school, I have fixed this – for others a calming activity – as a job. In short, I needed another craft activity for fun, and that became embroidery. The fact that both complement each other beautifully in Vyšiju is actually a coincidence.
Which ornament is closest to you and why?
In general, I like all leaves, whether painted or embroidered. I like how it manages to connect and unify everything. Among my favorites are also grape vines, which I even have as a tattoo on my hand.
Every year you illustrate a folklore calendar, what is your favorite month and the traditions in it?
I am publishing the calendar for the fifth time this year, and every year there are months where it is difficult to choose what to draw first. I don't have a favorite month. There are several traditions in each of them that I look forward to drawing. But Easter is the least close to me. I admit that I find traditions like welcoming spring, cleaning wells and various other rituals mostly with pagan roots more interesting in that during that time of year.
You create wrapping papers with a blueprint motive, paper dolls wearing traditional national costume, embroidery kits for DYI and more – where do you get your creative inspiration from?
Mostly, it's still about things that I personally miss on the market. I've been inspired a few times by ideas that people have given me. Such as folklore tattoos, for example. But my list of ideas keeps filling up with more and more plans. Good things take time and I always make sure that everything is done to the last detail.
What place does sustainability have in your work?
I care about where I buy things and where they are made. At the same time, I personally like practical things that have a further use. That is why, for example, in my embroidery kits, it is embroidered directly on Czech linen towels or a bag. I want my things to bring joy, and if possible, to be practical and be lasting.
What advice would you give to a beginner who wants to get into embroidery, either with your kits or on their own?
The most important thing is to not be afraid to start. My kits will only help in the beginning and give some advice and tips. But the main step is up to everyone. Personally, I was most puzzled by the materials at the beginning and it took me a long time to figure out the right ones. I believe this may be the biggest hurdle for some to go further in their embroidery journey.
