Kathryn Clark

Overveen, The Netherlands

Maker's Story

Kathryn inherited her deep love of craft and architecture from both sides of her family. On her mother’s side, she is a fourth generation artist, following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a weaver. She absorbed many aspects of architecture and design from her father’s side. She enjoys combining both disciplines in her work.

Kathryn studied Interior Architecture in the U.S. and worked as an architect and urban planner before becoming a full-time textile artist in 2006. The themes of her fine art textiles draw from her urban planning background and are entirely hand-stitched. Her work is held in prestigious museum collections in the U.S., including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, International Quilt Study Center & Museum and the Museum of International Folk Art. Her work also appears in several books, including Cloth: 100 Artists (2025), The Handmade Life (2016), and Craft for the Modern World: The Renwick Gallery Collection (2015).

In 2024, Kathryn moved to the Netherlands and launched Kathryn Clark Textiles, expanding her fine art practice to include functional objects. With her home textiles, she continues to explore the intersection of architecture and craft.

Katrhyn Clark Portret opname ten behoeve van makers pagina in de collectie van draumr

"What must be sought is the natural, direct, simple, sturdy and safe."

The Process

Kathryn designs and produces handcrafted home textiles, including blankets, table runners and other everyday linen goods. She draws on her design skills from architecture and planning, which involve research, inspiration and many iterations of scaled trace paper drawings, finalized on graph paper.

The rugged beauty and durability of linen attracted Kathryn to working with textiles twenty years ago. Not only did she realize her dream to live in Europe, her Overveen studio sits on land that was once a major center of linen processing in the 1700’s. She exclusively uses OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 European linen in her products.

Each piece is designed to be used, not just displayed: honest, functional textiles for daily rituals, made to feel good in the hand as much as in the home. The products are grown and woven in Europe and produced in the Netherlands.

Products

Q&A

What motivates you to make?

I start with design, bringing architecture and art/craft together in new ways. I’m always searching for foundation, simplicity and groundedness. How can I pare down an idea to its essence? If done successfully, a well made object, like a well designed building or neighborhood, can elevate an ordinary activity.

What and/or who are you most inspired or influenced by?

My background in architecture and urban design always influences my designs, often without me realizing it. Naturally I’m drawn to other artists and makers who also have a background in architecture or make architectural work, such as Do Ho Suh and Philippe Weisbecker. Since moving to the Netherlands, Dutch modern design and use of color has given me new ideas to explore.

What is your unique approach to your craft and how have you honed your skills?

I taught myself to hand-sew twenty years ago and have sewn something almost every day since. When I sew by machine, I take no shortcuts. I choose French seams over a serger, for example. It’s definitely slower and less cost effective but it honors the craft and respects the material.

What is your defining or proudest moment as a maker so far?

My proudest moment as a maker so far was when the Smithsonian American Art Museum acquired one of my quilts for their permanent collection. The piece now lives in their collection and was on view for over six years. Knowing something I made by hand is preserved there is something I still can’t quite believe.

What is your dream project?

I’ve always enjoyed collaborating with other makers as it often leads to new creative paths. I’d love to work with a ceramicist or someone working in a different medium just to see what comes out of the shared design process.