At the beginning of July, rogue crocheter Olek consumed herself with her largest endeavor yet: an entire locomotive covered in her signature medium. After two days of installing round the clock, in the rain, with the help of four assistants, the ambitious project debuted on July 13 and will be on view in Lodz, Poland through August 19. Though physically grueling, the project represented a homecoming for the Polish-born, New York-based artist, who is amid a prolific year of international travels, gallery shows and street art projects.
“I was in London at the Animal Ball in the presence of Prince Charles on the 9 of July. Then early on the 10, took a morning flight to Poland (wearing my costume, mask from last night) to work on the locomotive… I had the best crew ever. They worked as hard as I always do,” Olek told Hi-Fructose. “I think I should call this train ‘deadly romance.’ I love it, but it almost killed me. I want to see it again, but I am avoiding it. It is calling my name. But I know how much pain it caused. I am totally in love with it, but hate it in the same time. If the natural progression is to make bigger better pieces, what should I make next? Can someone give me a plane? Or should I go to the moon?”
Olek with her assistants
