Theresa Schöffel

Printmaker

©Christian Jungwirth

©Theresa Schöffel

©Christian Jungwirth

Imprinting traditional patterns

Theresa uses traditional wooden blocks
She loves the feeling of fabric in her hands
She experiments with Austrian folklore symbology

Theresa has never been afraid of discovering new fields of art. After graduating from art college, she studied fashion design in Vienna where she focused on the development of her stitching technique. It was not the technique itself that fascinated her, but the unlimited possibilities of combining colours. Teresa loves to experiment. She plays with compositions, patterns, and colours. Her patterns are exemplary pieces of art in themselves. She creates them using the so-called Holzmodeln, whose patterns are reinterpreted and reflected on natural fabrics. These wonderful old wooden models keep alive the traditions of Austrian folklore, and new patterns and experiments open up new possibilities which are visible in her works. Teresa’s prints are made with a gentle touch and with great attention to detail.

Interview

©Christian Jungwirth

©Tina Herzliche

What was the first printed item you made?: It was on a hot summer's day, spent with my children at a lake that I missed something light to wear. So, I made myself a printed tunic. It fits perfectly with the local and regional context. It was something that was missing on the Austrian market at that time.
How do you incorporate the traditional Holzmodeln blockprinting?: During my adventure with prints, many households had wooden models used for printing. This technique is very common in Austria, but it is becoming increasingly forgotten. I took on an old workshop of a manufacturer which had over 400 different wooden patterns. Each of them is hand engraved.
Why is regional context so important to your work?: Since I was a child, I have been surrounded by regional influences. My mother would sew a traditional dirndl, while my dad would take me hunting. Patterns inspired by nature, churches, chapels, old architecture, the colours of regional costumes – it inspires me to this day!
What do you like the most about blockprinting?: Herumpatzen, which in Austrian means to experiment. Each model can be reinterpreted in its own way, creating infinite numbers of new patterns, depending on the direction of the printing. Each of them becomes unique and their aesthetic attracts customers who are always the most important for me.

Theresa Schöffel is a master artisan: she began her career in 2001 and she started teaching in 2012