Crafted Columns
a Róhe Frames commission
Dimensions:
‘Twist’ Column - H 2700 x Ø 1600 mm
‘Tuck’ Column - H 2700 x Ø 1000 mm
‘Garter’ Column - H 2500 x Ø 750 mm
Material: Wool, Cotton, Linen, Wood, Steel.
“One yarn forms loops, and thus a new whole.”
Within the making of Crafted Columns, I explored the many possibilities in which a single yarn can be manipulated by hand into a new form.
Inspired by the principle of knitting: where one yarn forms stitches that interlink and create a new whole, I show the beauty and versatility of what seems a simple occurrence. I reveal its potential and different outcomes, by zooming in on the elemental level of textile crafts and through manipulating yarn and production techniques.
The result: 3 crafted columns, each with their own textile craft identity; all three columns are inspired by knitting, crafted by hand, all black, and made of natural fibers and materials, but the columns differ from each other in shape, volume, texture, material and technique used; Each column shows a different interpretation of material and material handling.
‘Garter’ is the slimmest column, formed by braided ropes looping into an elegant pattern, held in place by charred wooden beams using the Yakisugi technique. Its name refers to the garter stitch, highlighting the visible loops or ‘bumps’ in knitting.
‘Tuck’, the second column, features slender twisted cords adorned with alternating shiny and matte wooden beads treated with Yakisugi, giving a subtle silver shimmer. Named after the tuck stitch, it creates a 3D effect by gathering loops around one needle.
‘Twist’, the largest column, is made of twisted and twined yarns and ropes in various shapes and sizes, creating an engaging play of length, texture, and tactility. Differences in rope tightness are highlighted by swirl-like beads and tassels, adding dynamic volume. Named after the twist stitch, which twists loops to create effects like cables in fabric.
Together, in their multiplicity and black character, the hundreds hand-twisted, -twined and -braided yarns and ropes, that form this family of Crafted Columns, look imposing.
From up close, the human touch and different textures become apparent and create depth and character into the intriguing black palette, showing the beauty of textile crafts
Crafted Columns is handcrafted textile installation, commissioned by Róhe Frames, for its immersive pop-up gallery and showroom, during Amsterdam Fashion Week 2022
Róhe Frames presented Crafted Columns in their experiential exhibition, a world where craftmanship and collaboration meet, alongside the new FRAME 02 collection. The expo tells the story of a conscious and multidisciplinary approach.