"I’m a multidisciplinary artist of opportunity. I collect materials, experiment with
techniques & pursue my curiosities. I’m an artist of second chances working with
predominantly repurposed materials. I’m a nose-to-tail artist committed to using all of
the scrap I generate.
I consider my practice ‘artistic improv’ with a decidedly “Yes, and…” approach. I’m a
textile artist, sometimes; a feminist artist, primarily; an experimental artist, always. I am
constantly trying reconcile my deeply feminist outlook and leftist Berkeley education with
my military upbringing. Every time the world speeds up, I react by slowing down–
working more & more with my hands in an attempt to balance the universe. Subversive
stitching as an act of rebellion."
Winnie van der Rijn is a multi-disciplinary artist of opportunity. Her art practice includes
textiles, sculpture, collage and collaboration (which she considers its own art form). She
plays well with others. Winnie actively exhibits her work in juried group, invitational and
solo shows throughout the US and internationally.
A life long learner, Winnie graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1989
with a BA in Sociology. She has studied printmaking, sculpture, metalsmithing and
Marxist theory. In addition, Winnie has explored weaving, machine knitting, bookmaking,
altars, exploding picture boxes, automata, shoe making, millinery, sewing, fusing,
stamping, metal weaving, resin, riveting, precious metal clay and mixed media. She is
wildly curious about how things are made.
Her recently completed project 'How to Dismantle the Patriarchy' has shown in various
locations including the Textile Arts Center (Brooklyn, NY), Dairy Arts (Boulder, CO),
Museum of Sonoma County (Santa Rosa, CA), The New Bauhaus (Iasi Romania),
Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, TN) and the self invented Museum of Natural
Consequences (New York, NY). Winnie has completed residencies at the Textile Arts
Center in Brooklyn, FabScrap in NYC, Chateau Orquevaux in France and MASSMoCA
in Massachusetts. Two of her artist books are in the permanent collection of The
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (Cynthia Sears Artist’s Book Collection) in Washington
State.
Winnie, a seventh generation Californian, is currently based in Cambridge. She and her
husband are redefining what it means to be empty nesters.
Join WIP resident artist, Winnie van der Rijn, for a Quilting Bee style mending event on Oct 19th, 2024 at 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Quilting Bees have traditionally been used as a place for individuals to come together and affirm their communities. Taking this idea as inspiration we will we come together to collectively mend and amend a large vintage, tattered, stained, rescued American Flag. As we stitch we will take the opportunity to talk about ideas of freedom, as well as our concerns, fears, hopes and dreams for the country.
RSVP https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mend-and-amend-tickets-1029226804077?aff=oddtdtcreator