In 'the end of the beginning,' I explored my recent autism diagnosis and my unexplained fascination for frogs. During this project, I stumbled across new pieces of myself and discovered a kinship with the frogs. This project, along with most of my previous work, is based on a personal fascination. I often choose a subject and completely lose myself in the research. After all the groundwork, I translate the research into textile work. For example, in this collection, what piqued my interest the most was the cryptic camouflage most poison arrow frogs possess. This then snowballed into more camouflage research and ended up as the base of my collection, my own cryptic coloration.

Artist statement

I am Myrthe van der Tier, a young designer, information gatherer, and a fashion jack of all trades. With my textile work, I want to give the viewer, through my craftsmanship, a certain appreciation for materials, technology, and craft. Through this, I want to spread positivity and happiness to everyone who'll accept it. My work is based on a specific personal fascination, which turns into rigorous research and eventually transforms into textile work. I love to explore different textile practices, such as felting, embroidery, knitting, and of course, sewing.

Ambitions

During my final year at HKU, I created Studio Pollywog. A pollywog is the last form of the tadpole within the larval stage of its metamorphosis, symbolizing my own phase in life: not yet a fully grown frog. This is also why I'm continuing my education after graduating. I’ve yet to collect all the information I seek. My message through this studio is clear: with my textile work, I want to spread positivity and happiness to everyone who'll accept it.

Learned during the studies

The most valuable thing I've learned during my education at the HKU, the foundation of every project, is my method. Art school is the perfect place for experimentation, and through the semesters, this experimentation bloomed into a method to my madness. I've discovered my core ingredient: curiosity.

List of publications / exhibitions / prices / concerts / shows etc.

- "ANIMA", a collection shown in the minor "What is Fashion" exhibition at the Academy Gallery (AG) (2023)