Iben Birch Bech

Inspired by island landscapes

• Iben started sewing at the age of six
• She upcycles textiles and dyes with plants
• She makes functional pieces as well as art

Iben Birch Bech has worked with textiles for as long as she can remember. Her entire family either sewed, knitted or made other forms of handicraft that inspired her to pursue a professional career in the field of textiles that felt so close to home. Growing up on the island of Bornholm, the rocky landscape is part of her aesthetic DNA, and after 17 years away, she moved back to Bornholm where she now represents the vast amount of craft artists on the island – named World Craft Region in 2018. Iben creates both art pieces and decorative or wearable objects. Her constant dialogue between digital and analogue, and functional and artistic creations sharpens her eye and intuition. Iben sells her handmade pieces in her studio shop in Tejn on Bornholm.

Interview

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How did you fall in love with textiles?

All the women in my family have immersed themselves in textiles, and I learned to use the sewing machine at six. So it felt natural to pursue textiles, and I never seem to tire of the potential and endless possibilities in this field of craft and art.

What does material mean to you and your expression?

Different materials have a significant impact on the outcome. A rough hem canvas or a fragile silk sheet transforms the work in the most inspiring ways. I interpret the patterns and colours, emphasising the textile's exceptional contrasts and narratives.

What inspires you most in your process?

I enjoy the experiments and the exciting feeling of the uncertain road to success or redemption. I dive into the artistic process and the visual and sensual contact between colour and material. It is essential to leave space for intuition and the immediate.

What is your signature?

My signature is the use of colours inspired by nature. I have used reactive dyes and old printing techniques for years, combining them with digital printing. I know the environmental challenges and work as circularly and responsibly as possible.

Iben Birch Bech is a master artisan: she began her career in 2002 and she started teaching in 2012

Works

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