Inge De Zutter

KAN'T

Lacemaker

Preserving the art of lacemaking in Bruges

Inge hopes to inspire future lacemakers by producing artwork with a touch of lace
She makes sculptures and objects using a variety of materials such as wire, porcelain and silk
Her knowledge is rooted in the lace tradition of Bruges, and she builds innovation into this

Bruges is renowned for lacemaking, and it is here that lace artisan and designer Inge De Zutter breathes new vitality into this ancient craft by weaving it into contemporary art and functional pieces. Trained from the age of eight at the city’s Kantschool (Lace School), she obtained a Master's in fashion textile and theatre costume design. Inge’s creative process involves intuition and experimentation with works that reflect her deep connection to nature and desire to express the joy and beauty of life. As a teacher at the Academie Brugge DKO, she inspires others to embrace the possibilities of the craft, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Her hope? To see her art transcend borders and to nurture a new generation of lace artisans in Bruges.

Interview

What inspired you to pursue your craft?: When I was a teacher, my students questioned the future of lace and textiles, as no one in Bruges makes a living from it. Seeing the possibilities in blending lace with ceramics and textiles, I began my work to show them that if you dream of being an artisan, it is worth pursuing.
What does well made mean to you?: Well made work has a personal touch, crafted with love. It is special when unexpected deformities give it life. I design with intent, but I always seek intuitive outcomes that differ from the starting point. Craft is handmade, not machine-made.
What has been the highlight of your career?: In November 2023, I participated in Play Week at Wiels, one of Belgium’s top contemporary art museums, located in Brussels. Another highlight was being selected for the fourth edition of the Ongezien expo at Havenhuis in Antwerp in 2019, where my artwork was prominently featured.
What do you love most about your craft?: My craft reveals the rhythm of life. It is somewhat like planting a seed. The process from designing, drawing and researching, to experimenting and even technical making is fulfilling and brings me great joy. It enriches my life, giving it true value and purpose.

Inge De Zutter is a rising star: she began her career in 2018 and she started teaching in 2009