the artist at work photographed by Kleinjan Groenewald 2020

A FAQ: “Where do you get inspiration from?

I believe inspiration/ideas are everywhere. I once read that the muse can be found anywhere/everywhere, he/she/it must just find you working.

I work in series and on individual pieces.  I usually have more than one piece I am working on at a time.  Much of my work involves my own artistic freedom even when i work from a brief for a group exhibition, since those briefs are usually very open to interpretation.

I also have been keeping visual diaries/sketchbooks since 1998 and i revisit them from time to tome which will sport more ideas ore even a different take on previous ideas.

sketchbook collage

I have only one favourite needle that I prefer working with, but i don’t know the brand or even where I bought it.  Sigh.

artist at work Hannalie Taute photographed by Kleinjan Groenewald 2019

I rarely use DCM floss – only for small pieces.  For bigger pieces I use a variety of thread/yarn, ranging from Elle, Nikkim 100% cotton yarn to Kartopu organica (Egyptian cotton) or whatever I get my hands on.

There are times when I combine paper (as in found pages or vintage photographs) with rubber and thread.  I also experiment with fabric, which I applique onto the rubber.

I mainly use one type of stitch since the rubber don’t really allow for fancy stitches.  My stitching are intentionally imperfect or even messy. 😉

I wish you a happy productive week ahead.