Art AND Sustainability: Claudy Jongstra on what businesses can take from art

Have you ever wondered how the Dutch masters were able to use such vibrant colors? They come from plant-based dyes! Ilham sits down with internationally acclaimed artist Claudy Jongstra to discuss her incredible art, which is made from plant based dyes and wool that comes from a rare, indigenous breed of sheep raised on her farm in The Netherlands. They discuss her fascinating artistic process, the costumes she created for the Jedi in Star Wars, what businesses can learn from art and much more. Claudy’s work truly brings art AND sustainability together!

Claudy Jongstra is a world renowned artist and designer known worldwide for her monumental artworks and architectural installations, whose organic surfaces and nuanced tones reflect her masterful innovations in the ancient technique of making wool felt. Her  fabrics have been used by some of the most well known designers such as Christian Lacroix and Donna Karan, and they were even worn by the Jedi in Star Wars Episode 1. Her work has been included in collections at major museums like the Rijksmuseum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and more.

Timestamps
1:50 - Upbringing in the Netherlands and early love for color, nature and art
6:16 - Creating sustainable art from materials on a farm
9:08 - Making beautiful plant-based dyes/colors
15:14 - Creating the Jedi costumes for Star Wars
17:53 - Art and circularity
20:53 - What can businesses learn from art
24:26 - Connecting art and education
27:31 - Secret to success
29:47 - Artist role models and favorite work of art

For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast