Textiles and jewellery: literally a strong combination

By: Saskia van Es

The combination of textile and jewellery remains a very strong one. Because textile is so colourful? Because it moulds to the body? Because it is comfortable and protects you? Because it is slow art, made by endlessly repeating certain actions? This year, we can indulge ourselves. At least four artists use the primal material in their jewellery.

Although Anke Hennig doesn’t strictly speaking use fibre thread, but nylon, techniques such as crocheting and knotting give her work a distinctly textile look.

Doris Berner’s work is misleading: the delicate fabric pods are not as fragile as they look. A special process ensures that textile becomes a strong jewellery material.

In Lorina Balteanu’s work, the strength comes from stringing and weaving countless seed beads. Until the result is reminiscent of 17th century goldsmith’s work.

Another patient maker: Suzan Artezian F., who works with the punch needle. In the corona era, images from her childhood such as cartoons gave her comfort.