Once I know which landscape I want to make, I start off by collecting all fabrics that I think may be useful, based on color and the atmosphere that they breathe. I select a loosely woven fabric in a light color to use for the base of the landscape. I determine the height of the horizon and start pinning down several fine fabrics from there.

I never glue fabrics down and I do not use paint. Below the horizon, I pile the fabrics from bottom to top; above the horizon, I pile the fabrics the other way around.

When painting, you may mix colors in the just the way you want to. In my work however, I am dependent on the fabrics that I happen to come across. This is adventurous, but also takes a lot of time and you never know beforehand where you will end up. This is the reason that I decided to start painting in addition to my textile work, which allowed me to learn all sorts of new techniques. Often, in the end, a textile work results.

What I try to create in my works is a sense of space. When you are in the polder, on the dike, or at the ocean, light and depth is everywhere around you. You look into the distance and see that everything becomes smaller and smaller when it is further away. It makes you a bit dizzy and may give you a sense of freedom.

In a textile landscape, you may create depth by using lighter, finer and more loosely woven fabrics toward the horizon. In addition, the fabric’s shine plays an important role. It catches the light and makes everything appear more loose.

Old and used fabrics are particularly interesting. You may let their wear and tear play along. Every fabric that I use in my work has its own story to tell.