La Palma, Spain: what my brain told, the dying years

Hand embroidery on a mixed fabric bedspread (2023- 2025)

188 × 230 cm

Embarking on a journey across the ocean to a little vulcanic island, looking for a new golden horizon. On the island reigns since centuries an impressive culture of artistic ambition, with the full cycle 16 th century silk production still continuing to this day for example. The local embroidery traditions have been passed on from generation to generation, including the unique stitches used in flowery arrangements on cotton and linen, lacework and decorating silk gowns. Studying these artistic gems, talking with the heroes and heroines who keep these traditions alive, a new piece of embroidery was started, La Palma, the dying years. Dying is not a process to fear on this island,as the devoted patron saint of the island invites all to celebrate the gift of life on La Palma, and the gift of love in faith. The big waves from the ocean, surrounding the island from all sides are also included in this piece, as well as the home made and home spun silk gifted by the generous Silk Museum. All embroidery is done by my own hand, materials used consist of cashmere, wool, cotton, silk, purchased in Paris, Senlis, Chantilly, Vila de Mazo, Fuencaliente, El Paso, Santa Cruz de la Palma, Los Llanos, Amsterdam, The Hague, Workum, Joure. The first blue silk stitch was done in El Paso, in the little parc across from the Silk Museum.