Iben Høj

Textile sculptor

©Søren Lamberth - Maries Ideer

Knitting has never been so cool

Iben combines English and Danish textile traditions and evolutions
Her inspiration comes from nature, plants and insects
She can work with several knitting machines simultaneously

Iben Høj is a textile sculptor who explores knitting techniques through experimental works. Educated as a knitwear designer at the University of Brighton in the UK, she is now based on Funen Island in Denmark, where she opened her own studio in 2004. Her practice is rooted in a long tradition in wearable Danish textiles, and her making process is deliberately slow and methodical. Iben's work is about new yarn blends and shapes experiments, resulting in objects that convey strength and fragility, function and expression. "I embrace the way textiles connect with femininity," she says.

Interview

©Søren Lamberth

©Julie Voge Hansen

What made you choose this craft?: I did not specialise in knit until the end of my first year at university. I had never thought that textiles would be my craft, I do not even hand knit! I am fascinated by the fact that fabric can create something three-dimensional, not just a flat piece of cloth.
Can you explain your creative process?: I am a hands-on machine knitter, working with transparency and open areas and large format spatial pieces. First, I choose materials and colours, then I work on stitch concepts. The stitches are often constructed sideways, diagonally or upside down.
Have you developed your own technique?: Yes. I have elaborated a way in which I can work on several knitting machines simultaneously when I make my larger scale pieces. I always try to challenge the limitations of the techniques and the machinery.
What is the one piece you are particularly proud of?: It is called Aurora Borealis. Seeing it for the first time, during Salone del Mobile in Milan, suspended and floating in the air, took my breath away. I had not seen the piece in full, until the installation was finalised.

Iben Høj is a master artisan: she began her career in 1997 and she started teaching in 2002