Geke de Vries

(Pronounced Gay' ka de Frees)

Leaving the Netherlands and my teaching career to move to Madison was a turning point in my life. Always interested in arts and crafts and wanting to try something new I took a weaving class, bought a loom and a new world opened up. 

I am intrigued by color and texture and am currently experimenting with hand-painted warps. I enjoy the wonderful surprises. The results show splashes of color that give the impression of stained glass. Hand-painting adds another dimension to the weaving process that makes the result unique.

In addition I am experimenting with a variety of painting techniques for silk scarves. When pleated with a Japanese technique called Arashi Shibori, they become 3-dimensional.

These new directions help me pursue my interest in creating small series of one-of-a-kind vests, jackets, scarves, hats, cowls and shawls. The fabrics are rich in color and the designs are classic and comfortable to wear long into the future.

My work is available at art fairs and at my home studio. I enjoy working with customers and welcome special orders. Runners and placemats are usually woven on commission. During the summer season my handwovens are offered at Domicile in Sister Bay, Door County. I teach beginning weaving classes privately and in small groups at my home studio and am a co-weaving instructor at Oakwood Village.

New this fall are ruffled scarves. They are woven with narrow bands of very fine merino wool, then felted and so creating ruffles.

"Dakota Homestead" is a small tapestry weaving created for "1000 Words," a play written by Gwendolyn Rice and to be performed by Forward Theater at the Overture Center in early 2012. The weaving was inspired by photos taken by Walker Evans during the Depression.  

"Dakota Homestead" is on display at Sundance Theater in November as an introduction to an exhibit of fiber art and photography titled "1000 Words" at the Overture Center from January through March.

Email Geke de Vries