Larysa Bernhardt, an artist based in Missouri, creates brilliant colorful moths by using old tapestries.The moths often showcase beautiful images of historical people, birds, animals, and flowers on their wings.The idea for this unlikely art form came from Bernhardt’s longtime fascination with nostalgic textiles. The artist began by collecting vintage textiles, including silk tapestries and wool, and was interested in analyzing and unraveling their histories, taking an interest in how creatures, such as moths, often inhabit such materials.To ensure they stayed in good condition, she habitually checked for moth larvae in the folds of the cloth.This ritual triggered the idea of merging the delicate cloth fabric with its natural “enemy.”As a result, the artist also discovered a new love and appreciation for the winged insect and says she is inspired by the way moths tirelessly and fearlessly reach for the light. Bernhardt learned the skill of turning tapestries into art works from her mother, just like she learned it from hers.

More of Larysa Bernhardt‘s fascinating tapestry moths can be found at https://www.larysabernhardt.com/.