From the sea to the studio.
I studied Nautical Sciences at the Antwerp Maritime Academy and spent time at sea as part of my training. At the time, I was choosing between two very different directions: maritime studies and interior design.
I chose the sea — and loved it.
For the next seven years, I worked in the maritime industry. Alongside it, I kept creating. I painted, experimented with acrylics and eventually started selling my first works. But it was always something on the side.
I had been sewing for years and was always drawn to fabric, colour and texture.
During a year working at Axel Vervoordt, being surrounded by textiles and interiors sparked my interest in working with fabric even further. I eventually returned to the maritime industry, while my creativity slowly moved into the background.
Sometimes a fresh start isn’t planned.
After the birth of my son, I unexpectedly lost my job. For the first time, there was space to reconsider what I wanted to build next. I started experimenting with textiles as an artistic medium, bringing together my love for art, sewing and fabric.
Those experiments became my first collection — a series of textile artworks created entirely from designer deadstock materials.
And the beginning of Monôme.
Monôme was a conscious fresh start.
A new name, a clear direction and the decision to approach my art professionally. The materials and techniques continue to evolve, but colour, composition, texture and material remain at the heart of my work.
Art made to live with.
Becoming a mother also changed how I think about work. I wanted to build an artistic practice that could grow professionally while allowing me to be present for the life happening around it.
Creating and showing my work from our own home therefore feels surprisingly natural.
Art, interiors and everyday life all come together here.