about ilze godlevskis

My contemporary textile arts practice explores ethereal concepts, connective meanings, and processes of creation. I investigate the delicate interplay between parts forming a whole and the whole reconfigured into parts. Through textiles, I convey how fabrics and fibres inherently embody interconnectivity in their very creation—through linking, weaving, and fusing—and how intangible ideas can be materialized through various construction techniques

As a person who heavily relies on my sensorial perceptions and energy reading to navigate through life, my artistic practice is where I can express the beauty of connection as I have experienced it.

Ilze Godlevskis is a conceptual textiles artist. Creating soft sculptures, she challenges perceptions of what is art and design, and how colour and textile integrate into contemporary life. She is of Latvian origin and first generation Canadian. She completed her visual arts secondary education in Toronto, Canada, before moving to London, England where she graduated from Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design with a degree in Fashion – Knitwear. After her experience in the London fashion industry she looked to expand her artisan knowledge and knitwear craftsmanship in Milan, Italy where she appreticed along side a traditional Italian knitwear master for 3 years. Milan is where she currently produces her work, creating soft-sculptures for exhibition and custom design interior pieces. 

EXHIBITIONS:
  • 2025  11th Interrnational World Textiles Arts Biennial - [The Four Elements] - Miami (USA)
  • 2023   7th Riga International Textile & Fiber Art Triennal - [QUO VADIS] - Riga (LV)
  • 2023   Paratissima Talent Exhibition,  Torino, (IT)
  • 2022   Paratissima - Talent award - NICE & FAIRE - Savior Fair exhibition, Torino, (IT)
  • 2020   Envision Arts - Threaded II - Second International Textile Art Online Exhibition 
  • 2019   Come Up To My Room, Gladstone Hotel, DesignTO Toronto (CDN)
  • 2019   Miniartextile - HUMANS, Paris (FR)
  • 2018   Miniartextile - HUMANS, Como (IT)
  • 2018   Edicola Radetzsky, Milan (IT)
  • 2018   6th Riga International Textile & Fiber Art Triennal -  [IDENTITY] - Riga (LV)
  • 2016   Clerkenwell Design Week, Platform, London (UK)
  • 2015   Salone del Mobile, DesignersBlock, Milan (IT)
  • 2014   Blickfang Copenhagen Design Fair, Copenhagen (DNK)
  • 2014   London Design Week, London (UK)
  • 2014   Salone Del Mobile, DesignersBlock, Milan (IT)
PUBLICATIONS & AWARDS
  • 2023   7th Riga International Textile & Fiber Art Triennal - awarded: Recognition of the Latvian National Museum of Art
  • 2023   ArteMorbida Textile Arts Magazine - featured interview - https://www.artemorbida.com/ilze-godlevskis/?lang=en
  • 2022   Paratissima - Talent award - NICE & FAIRE - Savior Fair exhibition, Torino, Italy
  • 2022   Canada Council for the Arts - awarded: Research and Development Grant
  • 2021   Latvian Canadian Arts, Music & Letters - 2nd edition
  • 2020   Envision Arts - Threaded II - Second International Textile Art Online Exhibition - honourable mention
  • 2019   Fiber Art Now - Emerging Artist Award
  • 2014 (July) Elle Decor Italia
  • 2014   Fiera. - Kalidoscope - edition one

SPEAKING & MODERATING
  • 2024   SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) Conference - Europe & Middle East - (online)
    Moderator of round table event focus on Plurality & Heritage
  • 2023   7th Riga International Textile & Fiber Art Triennal - [QUO VADIS] - Riga (LV)
    Moderator of round table event focus on - Quo Vadis Textile & Fibre Art
    Speaker- THEME: Quo Vadis: Femininity 
  • 2018   6th Riga International Textile & Fiber Art Triennal -  [IDENTITY] - Riga (LV)
    Speaker- THEME: Identity