Custom Commissions Process: Pine and Pacific

Jun 14

June 11, 2025

Inspired by the windswept forms of Torrey Pines and the vast presence of the Pacific Ocean, Pine and Pacific is a custom art piece by Claudy Jongstra in collaboration with et galerie. Through a series of conversations, ideas and intuitions gradually unfold into sketches, color palettes, and layered narratives.

In the atelier at *Studio Claudy Jongstra*, Drenthe Heath sheep’s wool is collected, catalogued, and handwashed in preparation for the dyeing, carding, and felting processes that transform raw wool into refined works of art.
Jongstra's botanical dye lab uses various plants to create vibrant, natural colors. Dedicated to working with completely traceable and regenerative materials, Jongstra and her partner, Claudia, have grown their own botanical dye plants since 2001. Their farm in the rural northern Netherlands has become a model for the transformative potential of biodynamic principles to regenerate regional biodiversity and connect people with their material sources.
The blending of diverse fibre types and colors create sophisticated hues and textures unique to the artwork. The carded wool palette is like a painter’s palette for Jongstra, who builds up each composition in her signature choice of delicate and complex layers. The multitude of layers physically embedded within Jongstra’s artworks echo the multitude of layers within her holistic art practice.

Custom commissions are an opportunity to create enduring expressions of place, purpose, and connection. Rooted in a commitment to thoughtful design practice, et galerie brings deep insight and collaborative energy to each stage of the commission process. From initial concept development to final production, et galerie works closely with both Jongstra and the client, carefully considering material, scale, and context to ensure each composition resonates with its unique intended space.