Life in patterns

As an artist, designer, and maker, I have a profound love for the lines and patterns found in nature, culture and life itself. Patterns teach us that each detail has its specific place within a greater harmonious unity. Patterns create order out of chaos and confusion. In patterns, I see movement and connection, and I find peace and harmony. This fascination lies at the heart of my creative process and is expressed in my work with textiles and paper, in my prints and embroideries.

My work balances the techniques of artisanal traditions with the modern possibilities of digital processes. This interplay between old and new allows me to create unique, timeless pieces that both respect the past while embracing innovation and the future. Combining these techniques requires patience and attention - qualities I cherish and cultivate in my daily practice.

My work is an ode to nature, an expression of motherlove, and a tribute to my parents and ancestors who passed down invaluable life lessons through generations. Everything is connected; past, present, and future. Everything converges; all comes full circle.

Fabel

My brand is called FABEL, founded in 2006.

When I became a mother for the first time in 1985, I looked into my baby's eyes and thought: ‘Who are you, and what are we going to do together in this life?’ The core values that I gradually discovered in myself, through the lessons of motherhood, unknowingly laid the foundation for creating Fabel. When my children became adults, and I looked back on the adventure of growing up together, I wanted to tell that story in my own words and images: to translate it into artworks.

I began designing animal patterns and a whole new world opened up for me. It was fascinating to see how each animal, graphically, formed its own pattern, its own circle. Before starting a design, I would first immerse myself in understanding the ‘nature’ of the animal, and this introduced me to fables, ancient cultures, and spiritual traditions where animals play a central role. They often symbolize human traits and life lessons. We can learn from animals, and in them we see reflections of ourselves.

I have woven this symbolism into Fabel. For example, the elephant tells a story of female leadership and harmonious living. The butterfly speaks of beauty and profound transformation, while the turtle teaches us about grounding, wisdom, and patience. In this way, the animals become a source of inspiration in the quest to discover who we truly are in life.

Gyda

As a young girl, I was already completely focused on textiles and needlework, learning this craft from my grandparents whenever I would stay with them. While other children played outside, I wanted nothing more than to crochet, knit and embroider. When I turned six, my mother allowed me to use the sewing machine for the first time. I started sewing clothes for my dolls, and soon began to make my own clothes. I couldn't imagine anything more fun.

My love for textiles grew further when I began studying at the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) in The Hague in 1979. For five years, I was given the freedom to learn and experiment, and in 1984 graduated Cum Laude in Textile and Monumental Design. My graduation project, inspired by the architecture of the Rabobank headquarters in Utrecht, was purchased, in its entirety, by the bank, and many more commissions followed. My fascination for lines and patterns was already apparent back then.

Throughout my continuing career as a designer, I walked many paths. I developed greeting cards and stationery, designed and made for children's fashion magazines, led various creative teams, and created concepts for multiple brands in the interior design industry. All of this contributed to my experience, growth, and development.

Eventually I felt the urge to break free from the manufacturing industry. I longed to combine my talent with the core values I had come to understand through motherhood. I knew that one day, everything I had learned would come together in my own work, my own brand. And that moment is now.