I grew up in Belgium, in a family where textile was as much part of life as any other daily task. My mother and grandmother were always sewing, knitting and crochetting. Having these examples of what life was about, I started knitting at five. My mother was perfectionist and I soon became one myself, which has positive and negative sides. I learned a lot from that though, one thing for sure is that I now love detail.

As a teenager, I learned bobbin lace, spinning, macrame, weaving and natural dyeing. In 1985, I did a 3 day felting workshop with Inge Evers and got hooked. When I realised what a tremendous possibilities there are in this primitive craft, I kept experimenting and learning more.

In 1988, we moved to South of France and lived on an organic farm for 10 years. Here our 3 children were born.

I love the surprise part of feltmaking, I never know exactly what it is going to look like. This is excellent therapy for me, because it teaches me to let go and not being attached. Feeling how the fibres change in my hands makes me part of the process. Every little step I take leads to another and gives me the encouragement for another exploration. I borrow my inspiration from nature and translate it into a new form, using various natural materials to express myself.

I am especially attracted to textures and movement, which I explore through the use of different techniques and materials, mainly, but not exclusively, felt. The Australian environment provides me with plenty of inspiring examples.

I love simple and down to earth techniques, that are sustainable, eco friendly and safe for me and the planet, such as natural dyeing. I bought India Flints book and am using her techniques of eco printing with local plants, which I really love and this is taking my textile expressions into another direction.

I don't believe in failure. Every mistake is the beginning of something new and it often turns out to be better than the original goal.

Having fun with something that I am passionate about is my main purpose. Feltmaking, eco dyeing and recycling are certainly on that list. I love natural materials, that can return to the earth and cause little distress. I love learning new techniques and who knows what might be next.

Even if I make mostly felt wearables, this is not my main purpose. I create what comes up and that can be wall art, sculptures or wearables in the medium that appeals to me in the moment.

Exhibitions

Presence on international organic and natural textile fairs :