Our One and Only Dinie Gaemers

You’ve been a member of Fibres and Fabrics pretty much from the association’s inception, haven’t you? Joined in 1976.

You’ve filled many valued roles within the group. Tell us about your present role? My present role is of being the Archivist and Historian. I offered to compile Fibres’ first 25 years of History in 1998, for which I had to compile the archival information first and I have been doing that since. I also wrote the following 10 years of history.

I know you’re very creative. Can you define yourself – art/craft wise? For daily fibre activities I lean towards practical articles that can be used, but extend myself for Exhibition entries. I used originally the technique of knotting, Macramé, for this purpose, which was followed very closely by coiled basketry and hand sewn hexagon patchwork. 

Are you more comfortable working in one particular medium than most others? I like most of the Fibre techniques, but I am definitely not a fine embroiderer, embellisher or dyer.

Are there any artists or crafters who, more than any others, have influenced you in your creative life and why? Not really.
Describe your workspace. I use the spare room for storing things, use the dining room table a lot and usually work anywhere where I can sit comfortably.

What 3 tools could you not live without? Above all the tools I use, the most precious one is my hands.

Do you keep a sketchbook or journal? No.

             





We all share our knowledge at Fibres and Fabrics. Do you extend this in any way by participating in or teaching workshops? I have participated in many early workshops, and have taken my expertise to members of the group and also to the wider community e.g. friends, youngsters and worked a number of years with physically handicapped young people, which was a very rewarding time.

How do you inspire your creativity when you’re stuck? Usually hang it up on the wall or leave it somewhere to be seen.

If cost wasn’t an issue, what avenues would you choose to explore to expand your skills? Not important to me anymore.
How do you balance your life? Life balances itself.

Have you, or do you intend to, exhibit any of your work, either collaboratively or alone? If so where and when? Have exhibited in the Fibres’ exhibition ever since 1976 and plan to continue. Have exhibited nationally in the early years. The last few years collaboration has been introduced to the group with a most successful exhibition “Threads of Habitat’ and “Alba leucos” exhibition, presently being constructed.

What does your work mean to you. Love it!

 

Thank you for talking to us, Dinie. Your energy, enthusiasm and creativity are an inspiriation to us all.