Tjitske Storm

Tapestry maker

©Rachel_Schraven

From digital to tactile

Tjitske combines digital artistry with textile techniques
Her extraordinary tapestries reflect her passions
She lives and works in a yurt

It is not easy to put a label on the unique creations of Tjitske Storm. “I see myself as a digital artist, a fibre artist, a graphic designer and a textile designer, but at the same time as none of these,” she says. “I essentially express my inner world with both digital and tactile tools." By combining her digital artistry and her know-how of traditional textile techniques, Tjitske is able to make extraordinary tapestries which reflect her passion for colours, nature, humanity and processing her personal narratives. “My craft gives me the freedom and purpose to express myself, and the freedom to live ‘detached’ from too many material things while creating something contemporary, meaningful and appealing to the eye.” Tjitske lives and works in Oosterwold, an alternative neighbourhood near Amsterdam. Her works are regularly on display at Todd Merrill Studio in New York.

Interview

©Rachel_Schraven

©Uppix

How exactly do you express tradition and innovation in your creations?: I use some of the oldest textile crafts like weaving and tufting. With digital techniques, I can stretch the boundaries of these old crafts, resulting in a mix of artistic sensibility, traditional crafts and technical innovation.
Is your work linked to your country?: It is not linked to just my country, it is actually a vision of global connectivity. I link the West with the East and the North with the South from different points of view. My craft is a celebration of the diversity on our planet.
Which part of your work process do you enjoy the most?: My favourite aspect of practising my craft is being able to spend hours working on Photoshop while listening to music.
Do you feel that your craft is in danger?: If you take all the AI developments in consideration, then I do think my digital craft is in danger, yes.

Tjitske Storm is a rising star: she began her career in 2022