How Pia Wessels Turns Second-Hand Fabrics into Wearable Art
In this interview for our Arts to Hearts project, Pia Wessels, a textile artist with a deep passion for sustainability and history, shares the story behind her unique approach to transforming second-hand fabrics into wearable art.
From a childhood fascination with theater costumes to her innovative techniques like inlay and intarsia, Pia takes us on a journey through her creative process and what drives her to experiment with textile boundaries. She talks about how sustainability is at the core of her work, the stories woven into each piece, and how the garments seem to choose their own transformation.
Through her words, we learn how art, nature, and the love of craftsmanship come together in her textile art. This interview is part of our Arts to Hearts project, where we dive deep into the world of art and creativity, exploring the passions and philosophies of the artists who make it all happen.
Pia Wessels is a featured artist in our book, “101 ArtBook – Nature Edition” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here:
https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book
As a child, I was introduced to the world of textiles by two elderly ladies, our neighbors. They worked as dancers and souprettes on Berlin stages and captivated me with their theater costumes and historical clothing. A passion that never lets go and continues to inspire me in all its facets. Classical craftsmanship and knowledge of textile processing are just as much a part of it as textile art and the many possibilities of expression. A small collection of historical costumes has emerged. Designing theater costumes, in particular, opened up a dimension for me to connect different themes. Textile border crossings (Fashion Botanica) and experiments (Intarsia Coats/Urban Jungle) are part of my expression and my enjoyment of experimentation. For me, fashion and textiles are also absolutely art. Therefore, I regularly initiate textile art projects, which I exhibit together with colleagues in museums and galleries. I find the interaction and dialogue with colleagues, visitors and viewers very enriching, as well as the sharing of knowledge and teaching, which involves learning together.
1. What first inspired you to start transforming second-hand fabrics into art and fashion?
I was inspired by a lot of different things. First of all the really destructive developement of the fashion industry. But then of course the love for art and nature and the pure joy of experimenting, trying to tear down textile borders ( in all ways)!
The garments for my ‘inlay technique’ chose me and not me choosing the garment.
Pia Wessels
2. How do you choose which garments or materials to work with—what catches your eye?
I love garments with a history. That inspires me. I think the garments for my ” inlay tecnique” chose me and not me choosing the garment.
3. What does sustainability mean to you personally and creatively?
It is the basis of my work. Not just to show that there are sustainable ways to work with. But the pure joy of working with fabrics and garments containing a history.
4. When does a piece shift from being just clothing to becoming art in your process?
That is a flowing process. Sometimes it takes many different steps to be content with your work. Sometimes a piece needs time and you have to leave it in peace. Work on it later. After days or weeks. Look at it again and start all over again.
Fashion and textiles are also absolutely art. I believe in the transformative power of garments and the stories they tell.
Pia Wessels
5. Do the histories or past lives of the textiles influence the stories you tell through them?
They do. They “tell” you what you have to do. It is a transformation.
6. What do you hope people feel when they wear or view one of your textile transformations?
I hope to inspire them in every way – that textile is art.
Pia Wessels’ artwork is a beautiful fusion of sustainability, creativity, and historical storytelling. Through her unique approach to transforming second-hand fabrics, she breathes new life into materials that would otherwise be forgotten, turning them into wearable art that carries deep meaning.
What we’ve learned from her journey is that her creative process is rooted in a love for nature, experimentation, and the stories that fabrics hold. Pia’s work is not just about creating garments, but about honoring the past, pushing boundaries, and finding beauty in the overlooked. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship and the power of art to inspire change, both creatively and sustainably.
To learn more about Pia, click the following links to visit her profile.
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