A while ago I submitted a design for a contest for handpainted wall hangings at a small Dutch museum, the Westfries Museum in Hoorn.
Usually I transfer my handmade drawings to the computer to put them into a repeated pattern. The prompt for this contest however was to paint a wall hanging by hand from start to finish. No printing allowed!
In the 18th century hand painted wall hangings were very popular among well-to-do families in The Netherlands. They usually depicted large-scale landscapes and detailed natural elements. They were exclusive and expensive to produce.
For this contest I was inspired by the presentation on colonial history at the Westfries Museum. Considering modern views on coming to terms with colonial history and honoring our heritage, I wanted to add a personal tribute to this ongoing process.
Batik cloths contain ritual and emotional meaning and are passed on from generation to generation. Making a handdrawn batik takes up months and is a meditative and purifying process for the craftswomen. Batik plays an important part in the heritage of anyone with Indo-European roots.
I figured it would make an interesting addition to the story told by the museum on the Banda Islands, the Golden Ages and history of trading with East-Indies.
I challenged myself to translate intricate drawings and symbolic elements from batik cloths into a contemporary interior application with a fresh palette of lavender and ginger.
The striped borders represent protection from evil in traditional batiks, Indian Jasmin represents purity and the purple hibiscus symbolizes love and wisdom.
I choose lavender and ginger as they will be the next big interior colors in 2022.
Associated with mental health and well-being, Lavender creates an instant relaxing atmosphere, while yellows like Ginger and Mustard add softness and warmth, much needed during the dark and cold months we are experiencing now.
Getting out of my comfort zone to design this interior product the old-fashioned way has really been inspirarional and challenging. It has brought me so many new ideas! Currently I am busy transfering these designs into a printable wallpaper, so you can buy them too for anywhere around the world.
I think it would look great in any kind of room. Just a small piece of exclusive wall covering can create a totally unique atmosphere to a space.
If you’re lucky enough to live in an ornamented house like this, consider playing around with wall paper and exuberant prints to add modern depth to your historical interior.
Enjoy!