KHAIDOVA
Leyli
Sponsored by Art of Silk Road |
Although formally
educated as a Russian language instructor, Leyli Khaidova has dedicated herself to
promoting Turkmen craftsmanship and designing clothes and accessories. In 1994, this
44-year old artisan opened "Ensy," a national center of folk arts, which later
expanded into a private gallery of applied arts. Through "Ensy," Leyli has
pursued her interest in discovering and reviving ancient embroidery and weaving techniques
of Turkmenistan and incorporating them into contemporary fashion designs. Over the years, she has made countless trips across
Turkmenistan to investigate little-known textile arts, learn the secrets of various types
of Turkmen weaving and needlework, and train others on these techniques. Most recently,
Leyli has been working with a group of weavers in the Dashowuz region of Turkmenistan to
modernize the looms they use to make their particular kind of fabric.
Over the past ten years, Leyli has also created
many award-winning costume, clothing, and accessory designs, which she has displayed and
sold at craft exhibitions and fairs throughout Central Asia and abroad. In 2002,
"Ensy" joined the Central Asian Crafts Support Association.
|
