Involved in year 2024, 2025, 2026

I grew up in North Brabant where I initially studied Chemistry. It soon became clear that my curiosity was not only in analysis and theory but especially in creating and making. Motivated by this I consciously chose a different path. In 2023 I graduated from ArtEZ Design Art and Technology. Driven by a fascination with nature textiles and craft I joined The Linen Project as a steward.

I currently live and work in Arnhem. In addition to my artistic practice I work in a restaurant that uses as many organic and local products as possible a place that further nurtures my attention to sustainability and craftsmanship. In my home studio I continually explore the possibilities of form structure and process from a love of textiles and natural materials. My work moves between experiment and craft and arises from attention time and material.

What does the stewardship mean to you?

Being a steward has shown me how beautiful collaboration can be. Caring together for the entire process from seed to linen thread and beyond. The meaningful conversations in the field working together outdoors and continually learning from each other about the versatility and beauty of the material make this process special. Being involved again in an educational project after my graduation is very valuable and motivating.

Relevant specialisation

This year I have focused on spinning flax into linen. I can fully immerse myself in this process the creation of a thread.

Aafje Bep van Grieken
Arnhem
@aafjebepvangrieken