Waste Textiles Artist. Femke van Gemert, 1969 After a career in commercial fashion Femke decided to change the way to create things. Now she designs wall hangings and rugs that are unique, handmade and fully sustainable. By focussing on a single colour she re-uses textiles in abstract works. The beauty of imperfection and deterioration over time are always visible in her creations. The composition she creates radiates a certain mood or longing laden with fragments of the former characteristics of the used textile pieces. In the creation process Femke thinks about certain societal or environmental issues, these are reflected in the titles. In commissioned work clients can donate their own discarded textiles. This improves the personal involvement the owner has with the piece of art. This way Femke wants to revaluate textile waste that is omnipresent in our fast consuming society. The wall hangings improve acoustics and are suitable for homes, offices and public buildings. The love for textiles combined with the urge to explore the possibilities of discarded fabrics form a long lasting source of inspiration and a way to express opinions in Femke van Gemert’s life.

She has a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and a master’s degree in public art. She has opened her own lecture series named Seeking Unseen at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. She is the co-founder of Paleworks, a studio & brand focusing on the variety of producing—in the areas of art, architecture, and design. She established urbanbacklog, a blog based on visual impressions about the cities. Her profession ranges from writing to styling, product design to architectural photography.

Ben is an artist and graphic designer. He resides in Hackney Wick, London where he runs his own personal practice, the creative partnership 'Booth/Kelly' with designer John Booth and 'Hackney Wick Life Drawing' alongside fellow artist Ben Wakeling. His work has featured in multiple group exhibitions and in March 2019 had his first solo exhibition at Stour Space Gallery.

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