Pulling through
Roci Zeegers shares how fibre art helped her beat fear and anxiety, and instead introduced her to a world of creativity and community.
Hello, who are you?
My name is Roci Zeegers and I live in the Netherlands. I am married to a Dutch man, and was born in Colombia. I moved with my husband to the Netherlands for about 20 years ago now!
Tell us about your creative journey, when did you start punch needling and fibre art?
I started to do embroidery about a year ago. I had a period of great stress and many emotions such as fear, depression and panic due to situations that I was experiencing in my work in retail, and in my private life. I quit my job and had to find something to do. I started with a few attempts at weaving, then latch hook.
Then I discovered punch needle and from there I have been making more pieces.
Punch needle helped me not to think negative things, to just create and see things beautifully. After that anxiety crisis, I started dreaming about having a studio where I could create and sell beautiful products. From there, Fibersdeco Studio was born.
I love the way your work incorporates both punch needling and fibre weaving. What inspires your work?
I love the textures and the mix of materials. I'm inspired by artists like Katie Berman, Julie Weaves, and the works of Lou and Tread. I also love what Mariana Baertl from Living Fibers does and I have followed online courses with her.
Tell us about your creative space?
I must say I don't have a studio, what a shame! But I keep dreaming and every time I go out and see a nice house I think it would be ideal for a studio! O I usually go to the market to buy fibers and new materials to make the punch needle pieces. There you will see me testing my needles at each textile market stand.
What do you enjoy most about fibre art?
The fibres give me a feeling of wellbeing and love. I am very grateful for discovering this medium through Instagram and to be able to express my ideas and feelings. I hope I can create more and learn from many artists that I admire.
The Netherlands
