In her Suboart Magazine November 2025 (Issue #49) interview, Carola van Dyke reflects on her journey from fashion design and illustration to developing her signature free-motion embroidery practice, a medium she embraced after stepping away from the pressures of running a design business. She describes how sewing and drawing merged naturally in her life, leading her toward creating intricate textile wall hangings and sculptural works composed of expressive, floating stitches. Van Dyke emphasises the organic, emotional qualities of thread, often leaving loose strands intentionally to introduce movement and spontaneity, and explores the boundary between applied and fine arts. Deeply inspired by the overlooked details of the natural world, from insect wings to tangled roots, her works highlight both the fragility and resilience of nature while advocating for environmental awareness and a renewed appreciation of the beauty found in the undergrowth.
