Sandra Junele
Sandra is an award-winning textile artist based in Dundee, Scotland, with a background in interior design and textile design. Her work is known for its minimalist design, tactile quality, and focus on interior applications.
Sandra takes pride in creating unique and sustainable wall panel installations and custom-molded shapes, using natural fibre shredded recycled yarn waste mixed with handmade plant-based glue. This innovative approach allows the material to be easily broken down and reused by submerging it in water, offering endless possibilities for reuse.
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Her passion for recycling originated from her childhood in Latvia, where she watched her grandfather creating furniture from discarded wood. This early experience sparked her interest in repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Today, she specializes in working with yarn waste, transforming what was once considered waste into art.
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Junele's work has gained attention from publications such as Interiors Monthly, The Skinny, and Let’s Knit. In recognition of her innovative approach, she was a finalist for the Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and received the Award for Innovation in Fashion & Textiles from UNESCO City of Design (November 2023). Her work was also showcased at Berlin Design Week, further cementing her impact in the world of sustainable design.
Sandra's Pieces for Forgotten Fleece Tales
Sandra will create three wall art panels, paying homage to Scotland's textile heritage with a contemporary interpretation of traditional tartan patterns. This design will look both to Scotland's rich past and a sustainable future, showcasing the potential of upcycled materials in art. The panels will crafted from natural fiber waste sourced from the Knit Shop Scotland, an independent knit factory based in Dundee. These fibers will be bound using a custom plant-based glue, creating a sustainable and durable medium.
