Woven Voices in Fabric: Gezellig Studio

With a background in journalism and a love for visual storytelling, Kristy Woudstra the Hamilton-based artist behind Gezellig Studio brings a fresh, sustainable approach to quilting and textile art. Using all-natural fibers, Kristy creates quilts and wall hangings designed to add meaning and warmth to any space. Combining geometric shapes and bold colours to capture personal experiences and reflections, Kristy sees quilting as a way to connect with others through shared stories. The name "Gezellig" (heh-sell-ick) reflects a Dutch concept of warmth and connection, capturing those moments of pure presence with loved ones. This sense of coziness and mindfulness is woven into each piece Kristy creates for the home.  In this conversation, Kristy explores her inspirations, motivations, and stories that have catapulted her creative practice into success.

In Conversation

Unconventional Quilting: Exploring Shapes, Colours and Growth

How do you describe your work/practice to others for the first time?

Kristy: Basically, I create quilts that really don't look anything like traditional quilts. Haha! When I started quilting, I didn't know what the rules were. I barely even knew how to sew. While that meant I had a steep learning curve, it also gave me the freedom to figure out what I liked without the fear of being judged. I love to use geometric shapes and bold colours to help me interpret the world around me. I'm constantly evolving and learning new skills, but my work is consistently abstract and minimalist. 

Art as Advocacy

What factors played a role in influencing your fineline collection and artwork overall?

My background is in journalism, so I'm a storyteller at heart. I see my quilts as an extension of this as they are a visual way for me to share my experiences and observations. It's not lost on me that the words "text" and "textile" originate from the same Latin word "texere," which means "to weave." 

In terms of themes, I'm inspired by my life or world events, anything that I've been ruminating on for awhile. The first quilt I created that truly felt like art was inspired by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade. I was absolutely devastated and fearful about what it meant for American women and their autonomy. I was at a residency in Springfield, Illinois, when the decision came down and that night, people gathered in the streets to share their frustration. That really impacted me. Complete strangers reminded me of the power of speaking our truth and sharing our stories. So I created a series of abstract quilts as a way for me to convey that message.

The Emotional Thread: Fostering Connection through Textiles

What are you hoping that the viewer interprets from your work?

My hope is that some people will relate to my quilts because that means they identify with my thoughts and experiences, forming a connection. To me, connection, even an intangible one, is often what art is about. I think that's what compels me to keep creating, no matter how vulnerable or nervous I feel about sharing my work.

Quilting a Cultural Journey

Anything else you would like to tell us about your work generally or the specific
collection you are posting to Fineline?

This past year, I've been working on a series of quilts that express my experience as someone who is first-generation. (Both of my parents immigrated here from the Netherlands.) I was absolutely thrilled to have two of these quilts in juried shows this fall. As an emerging artist, I felt as though I belonged in the art world for the first time. Not everyone sees quilts as art, so it meant a lot to me on multiple levels. 

View the Gezellig Studio Collection Here: