Cuddle up – quilt making is experiencing a revival.
This creative practice is not only producing quirky,
one-of-a-kind works of art, but also keeping us warm.
one-of-a-kind works of art, but also keeping us warm.
Literally, in the arrival of luxury winterwear pieces, but the quilting process also lends itself to collaboration, bringing people together and healing.
With a new wave of quilt makers emerging globally, we felt blessed to meet Hanna Steenbergen-Cockerton in Amsterdam.
A multidiscipline artist and teacher, Hanna invited us into her home and studio, where we fell in love with her work.
After harsh criticism from her art school professor and later experiencing a burn out, Hanna shared with us how quilting has brought her to a happier place.
Dutch quiltmakers are known for pushing the boundaries of the craft, leaving an indelible mark on the quilting world. What led you here?
It’s a form of self-expression, of comfort and warmth. I love how introducing quilts to a blank white art space can bring about a sense of play.
I play with different forms; I suspend them from ceilings so the viewer can walk underneath them and view the works from a different perspective. It’s an ongoing playground, and each quilt has its own story to tell.
It came from my mother; she is also a quilter and an artist.
You began as a painter, what led you to textiles?
I was painting at art school, and one of the professors walked by. At the time I was I struggling, and he said to me “you’re not a painter”. My whole world crumbled hearing those words. However, from there (and without much thought),
I started turning to soft sculpture. I was working a lot with PVC, shiny vinyl and started making these three-dimensional blocks that I would stitch together. The professor came back around and said, “you’re on the right path now.”
I started turning to soft sculpture. I was working a lot with PVC, shiny vinyl and started making these three-dimensional blocks that I would stitch together. The professor came back around and said, “you’re on the right path now.”
You see quilting as a form of self-care. How so?
Two years ago, I experienced burn out. My mind was totally fried, and it was near impossible to do anything. I turned to quilting and I found the process of repeating an action incredibly soothing. I was using my hands to stitch – which of course drastically increased the time spent on the works. This new approach to working with textiles got me through the initial stages of re-emerging from burn out – slowing down and gathering my bearings.I wasn’t working from a pattern but instead allowing my subconscious to make design decisions that I like to call an ‘unbalanced balance’ which is now my favoured approach to work. It’s about creating an ‘offness’ but still retaining a centred harmony. It’s a constant push and pull, and one that has been both cathartic and revolutionary for me.
What are the key influences, artists or movements that inform your work?
I believe we are all influenced by the world around us for different touchpoints of our lives.
One of your Instagram posts showed that you have a community here in Amsterdam where you hold quilting lessons. Can you tell us more?
I joined with fellow artists Asefeh Tayebani and Margherita Soldati and we did a show, which was also an active space. It was part residency and part exhibition. We invited people to come and partake in a workshop who have experienced burnout so I could share my own experiences with patchwork and quilting that helped me through that time in my life. We would spend the afternoon stitching squares together, having a chat and sharing experiences.
The classes are something that I am getting off the ground to bridge a connection between craft and healing practices.
What’s next for you?
I am painting again. I had a street exhibition in the winter, which is an outdoor gallery near the park meaning it is accessible for everyone.
Alongside that, my intention is to hold more community crafting moments.
I love this most about quilting: it has a rich tradition of community and collaboration. It’s very common practice to work on one another’s work, help correct errors or finish work, and simply be together.
For me, these acts of generosity are very special and something that doesn’t always exist within the art world setting.
You can view (and enjoy!) Hanna’s work and keep up to date with all exhibitions via her Instagram (@Hanna_Steenbergen_Cockerton) or www.hannasteenbergen.com
