Kristin Holte

Q&A

What craft do you work with? 

I made my own clothes when in my youth and knitted my way across the eighties. I started out as a knitting designer and mixed a lot of different yarn qualities in my work, or combined knitting with other textile techniques to make unique pieces. Now I work with several textile techniques, inspired by old Norwegian folk art and crafts, often use strong colours in my work. The last years I have focused on hand knitting traditions, Norwegian folk art and embroidery, working with symbols, motifs and the temporary nature of the decorative custom of chalk painting called kritkroting in old Norwegian timber houses. This work has resulted in textile wall hangings, friezes, lectures, knitting books and other textile objects.

What inspires you to work with this craft? 

I’m inspired by old Norwegian folk art, colours, butterflies, flowers and the nature generally. In my youth, I also worked as a flower decorator, so that has a great impact on my work. I love to mix different qualities of tread to get my own expressions, both in my knitting and embroidered work. When I do embroidery I often use old lacework in different techniques which are damaged or in the process of disintegrating. I am inspired by the work someone has done before me in these old textiles. For me personally, my crafting is my soul food.

How do you start your creative process?

In my free knitting and embroidery, I often start with a colour. It could be some flowers, colours in nature etc, but other times I just pull all my yarn on the floor and pick those who speaks to me. That is a beautiful process. But in my hand-knitting books it’s a totally different process. I am often inspired by a symbol or a motif, from crafts like for instant blacksmithing, folk costumes or old decor techniques I have to do research for the writing of cultural historic text, and be disciplined when making models and patterns. But I love that combination of researching and the creative process which follows. The difficult part is to have discipline and not start too many projects at the same time.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

My workspace could be anywhere. I can take my knitting or embroidery with me, but I usually work from home or in the cabin on my allotment. When I make books, I have to be home at my dining table. I draw, paint and make small samples, using yarn, knitting needles and embroidery tools.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I bought a tapestry frame many years ago, and hope to make time to do some tapestries in the future.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

In general, I have to say that you should know the craft and techniques before you can experiment. In my knitting for books I have learned the necessary of making small samples for the gauge, draw and paint models. But at the same time I will encourage to work more freely, never give up and don’t throw anything away; a failed project can turn into a great work of art at a later date.

Media & Contact

Representation

Kristinholte.no

References

Website: https://kristinholte.no

Instagram: @kristinholte.no

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinholte/

Photography credit

Protection in another Life: photo Kristin HolteCrown inspired by kritkroting: photo Ingolf Endresen, USNKnitting samples: photo Kristin HolteIts all about the cuffs: photo Kristin HolteMittens folkartknitting: photo Kristin Holte

Location

Oslo, Norway