HOW TO BLOOM IN SEASON with textile artist Victoria Van Der Laan
I first met Victoria Van Der Laan in Catskill, New York, standing in the gravel driveway in front of the HUDDLE House where me and twenty-five other NOOKers where spending a long weekend quilting together. I had assumed she’d jsut whisk me away for a quick coffee and pastry while I was in town and that would be it, but Victoria ended up coming back to the house for a trunk show and then spent all afternoon with us just sewing and sharing stories. Noticing the warmth and generosity she moves through the world with, I knew we’d become fast friends.
In this SEAMSIDE conversation, Victoria and I talk about:
① how the demands of life can pressurize our creative practice
② why her colors seem to vibrate
③ how to expand and contract as the season allows
WHY LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE?
Victoria delves into the deep connection she has with textiles, stemming from a family lineage of textile workers, and how this craft has been a constant throughout her life, shaping her identity and worldview. We explore the transformative power of working with textiles, not just as a form of artistic expression but as a way to support herself and her family, connect with her heritage, and actively contribute to shaping a more inclusive and positive future.
REFLECTION PROMPTS:
The Role of Textiles in Our Lives: Consider the omnipresence of textiles in our lives, from clothing to home decor. How do you perceive these everyday items differently when thinking of them as extensions or expressions of individual or collective identities?
Creative Processing of Emotions: Victoria finds solace and clarity in working with textiles, especially during challenging times. Reflect on the activities that help you process emotions. How can you incorporate these practices more intentionally into your routine as a form of self-care?
Envisioning a Positive Future: Inspired by Victoria's and Zak's discussion on using creativity to imagine a better future, spend some time envisioning a future that aligns with your values and hopes. How can you use your skills and passions to contribute to making this vision a reality?
THREE ARTISTS YOU SHOULD FOLLOW
① Dyani White Hawk Polk: modern abstract painting with Native American beadwork and porcupine quillwork
② Intelligent Mischief: creative studio unleashing the power of Black imagination to shape the future
③ Chris Corsini: tarot, horoscopes, and astrology
HELPFUL LINKS
→ Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK
→ See images and more from this episode with SEAMSIDE EXTRAS
→ Learn more about Zak
→ Support Victoria through Buy Me A Coffee
