Berdine van der Mescht

The series of ’Little Dresses’ took shape when a period of emotional trauma drove me to sit in silence, experimenting with knitting grass found in my garden.

The repetitive rhythm of knitting and crocheting became a form of meditation - a quiet act of healing, as though I were spinning a cocoon for my protection. A weaver bird's nest, delicately woven from fragile strands, embodies resilience, shelter and devotion. Similarly, garments fashioned for our adornment and protection reflect the instinct to nurture, create safety and a feeling of belonging.

What has often been dismissed as domestic craft, is reclaimed as a profound language of making - one that reflects the intelligence of nature. This work can be understood in relation to ecofeminist thought, exploring the interconnected relationship between women and acts of care. It considers protection, nurturing and creation not as passive qualities, but as powerful, generative forces that challenge conventional hierarchies and affirm the resilience of both women and the natural world.