Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Smardak
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi! I’m Sasha Smardak! I am finishing up my last quarter at Savannah College of Art and Design, at the Atlanta campus. I major in sculpture and minor in printmaking. The story of how I got here today is kind of random but it ended up working out for me with a bit of perseverance and no experience. My mom passed away in 2020 and I was going to a local state university in Nashville. I just wanted a change so one day I just applied to SCAD. I had been making art and being creative my whole life but did not have a formal portfolio. I didn’t have to submit a body of work but I did have to select my major, since I was coming in as a transfer student. I had no clue what I wanted to commit to as a major so I chose something that I had no experience in but wanted to learn because that’s what schools for… right? So I selected sculpture, not realizing that that choice would be the best choice I have ever made.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think the road for me was smooth but with about 20 potholes. Since I didn’t fully know what I was getting myself into and I kinda pushed through on a whim, I would say the obstacles, I encountered, only made me a better artist and made me learn a lot. Going into a major, that I knew nothing about, made me learn a bunch of new skills that helped me develop my process and a body of work with a direction.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a crochet sculpture artist, my work challenges traditional perceptions of craft by reimagining it as a medium for bold, representational sculpture. Rooted in the tactile intimacy of crochet—a practice often relegated to domestic and decorative spaces—I use this craft to create large-scale, dynamic forms that explore the intersection of craft, fine art, and sustainability. My sculptures, often infused with unexpected textures, invite viewers to reconsider the physicality, labor, and cultural significance of handmade work. By pushing the boundaries of what crochet can achieve, I aim to elevate it beyond its conventional associations, asserting its place in contemporary art dialogue. Through these pieces, I explore the resilience of craft traditions, the beauty of imperfection, and the creative potential of sustainable materials. My hope is to spark conversations that bridge the gap between craft and high art, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the power and possibilities of the handmade.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I would say that the most important lesson that I have learned, is to not give up despite being lost. I think that there is beauty to be found in not knowing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sashasmardak.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supercooolgrandpa/
Image Credits
Artist headshot – Rhiannon Shakir
Studio headshot – Antonia Cordo
“WORKER” – Lia Manfredi
