Between Notes and Needles: Nona Papashvili’s Creative Symphony of Stitch and Color

Nona Papashvili is a self-taught Georgian artist and educator, holding degrees in International Relations and Piano from the Tbilisi State Conservatory. She teaches music and English while pursuing her passion for art. Starting with sewing doll clothes, Nona developed a unique artistic style using embroidery techniques with water, cross-stitch, diamonds, and ribbons.

Her emotionally rich works—depicting nature, flowers, and women’s silhouettes— are known for their vibrant, transitional colors and deeply expressive character. Nona believes art is a universal language that transcends time, borders, and nationality.

She has participated in numerous international exhibitions through her collaboration with First Wish Art Gallery, including shows in Spain, Italy, Japan, Armenia, Malaysia, Jordan, the Netherlands, Dubai, and Austria. Her work was featured at Art Shopping at the Louvre in Paris (2024).

Nona’s artworks are represented in Georgian embassies worldwide, including in Japan (Ambassador Teimuraz Lezhava), Spain (Ambassador Alexander Chkuaseli), Austria (Ambassador Alexander Maisuradze), and Malaysia (Ambassador Irakli Asashvili). Her pieces are part of several embassy collections and private holdings. Among her many honors are the Botticelli Prize (Florence), Leonardo da Vinci Prize (Milan), Aivazovsky Art Prize, and multiple awards from international competitions in London and beyond

INDACY: • Can you tell us about your early life in Georgia and how you first discovered your passion for art?

Nona: I was born in Georgia, and my journey in art started with sewing clothes for dolls as a child. Even though I studied International Relations and Piano, art was always a way to express emotions freely. I gradually explored different techniques and materials, turning a simple hobby into a true passion. Georgia’s culture, nature, and traditions have been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life. Creating has always given me a sense of freedom and joy.

INDACY: • Who or what inspired you to pursue art seriously, and how did your initial training or experiences shape your style?

Nona: My inspiration came from within—the desire to create and express myself. Being self-taught allowed me to experiment without limitations, exploring embroidery, ribbons, and diamonds. My musical background, especially in piano, influenced my sensitivity to rhythm and harmony, which now reflects in my visual art. Nature, colors, and emotions also shaped my style, resulting in bright, glittering, and emotionally layered pieces.

INDACY: • When did you first exhibit your work publicly, and what was that experience like?

Nona: I first exhibited my work publicly in Georgia several years ago. Until then, my art had been personal and shared only with close friends and family. Presenting it to a wider audience was exciting and emotional, as art is a reflection of the inner world. The positive reactions from visitors made me realize that art is a universal language. That experience gave me confidence to continue sharing my work internationally.

INDACY: • How did your journey transition from a local Georgian artist to participating in international exhibitions?

Nona: The transition to international exhibitions happened gradually. Local recognition and participation in small exhibitions brought attention beyond Georgia. Inclusion in international catalogs and collaborations with First Wish Art Gallery allowed me to exhibit in countries like Spain, Rome, Japan, Malaysia, Jordan, Austria, Dubai and the Netherlands. Each exhibition expanded my network and reinforced the idea that art has no borders. Dedication and consistency were key in this journey.

INDACY: • Can you share the challenges you faced in the early stages of your career and how you overcame them?

Nona: In the early stages, I faced challenges like limited access to resources, lack of formal training, and balancing personal life with art. Persistence, passion, and creating with honesty helped me overcome these obstacles. Every small project, from doll clothes to local exhibitions, built experience and confidence. Over time, these steps opened doors to international opportunities.

INDACY: • Your works are now in private collections of diplomats worldwide — how did you build that level of recognition and trust?

Nona: Building recognition and trust happened naturally through sincerity, dedication, and consistent work.. Exhibiting my art internationally helped it reach a diverse audience, including diplomats and collectors. I never aimed to “chase recognition,” but focused on creating heartfelt art. Over time, my work was added to private collections, such as the Georgian Ambassador of Japan, Spain and represented in galleries like Rome, showing that genuine passion builds trust.

INDACY: • How did joining First Wish Art Gallery’s world tour exhibitions influence your growth as an artist?

Nona: Joining First Wish Art Gallery’s world tour was transformative for my career. Exhibiting in multiple countries exposed my work to diverse cultures and audiences. It inspired me to refine techniques, experiment boldly, and create with more confidence. The gallery also connected me with collectors, curators, and fellow artists, expanding my professional network. I am deeply grateful to First Wish Art Gallery for their trust, professionalism, and encouragement. Their belief in my work gave me the freedom to grow and the platform to share my vision with the world. This experience showed me the universality of art and its ability to transcend borders.

INDACY: • Looking back, what early experiences or projects do you feel were pivotal in shaping your international career?

Nona: Several early experiences shaped my international career. Participating in local exhibitions taught me how to present and connect with an audience. Winning the Golden Time Talent in London, the Ukrainian competition, and prestigious awards like the Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Aivazovsky International Prizes gave me visibility and credibility. Some of my works were also exhibited at the Louvre, which was an incredible milestone.

Each achievement opened doors to galleries and collectors worldwide and reinforced my confidence and commitment to art.

INDACY: • How has your artistic style evolved from your beginnings to where you are today?

Nona: My style evolved from creating doll clothes to using embroidery, ribbons, diamonds, and natural materials like wood and stones. In recent years, I have started incorporating natural materials into my embroidery, such as pieces of wood, tree chips, stones, and other elements from nature. This addition has brought a new dimension to my work, connecting it more deeply with the natural world and adding texture and authenticity. Music influenced my approach, giving me sensitivity to rhythm, harmony, and transitions. My current work combines vivid colors, textures, and emotional depth. Every piece tells a story and carries my energy and inner world. The aim is to transport viewers into a colorful, immersive experience.

INDACY: • What advice would you give to young artists in Georgia who hope to take their work from local recognition to a global stage?

Nona: I would advise young artists to stay true to their vision and keep creating despite obstacles. Experiment with techniques, materials, and ideas, even starting with small projects. Share your work widely through exhibitions and competitions locally and internationally. Patience, passion, and authenticity are essential—global recognition takes time. If your art comes from the heart, it will find its audience, and borders will not limit creativity.

ARTIST INTERVIEW

This interview was originally published in the print edition of Indacy Media Global Magazine, Vol. 1, Issue 2 (August 2025).