Ailim is the letter A in the Celtic tree alphabet. Ailim represents the Silver fir, an ancient tree that evolved with the changes of the earth. Deeply rooted in the natural rhythms of the earth, she embodies the subtle and powerful connection between tradition and renewal. She interprets an organic transfer of knowledge and experience, growth that leads to new insights and perspectives.
Ailim represents a patient journey of learning and discovery. It is a symbol of growth that comes from experience, and knowledge that inspires others. This philosophy is at the heart of atelier Ailim, where knowledge is not just passed on, but constantly evolving, just like nature itself.
This is where textile artist Katrien Perquy works with the subtle colours and textures of the natural world. In her studio, she invites others to learn and experiment with techniques that reveal the beauty of nature in a new way.
Refinement and exploration are central to this. Whether painting with plants or creating patterns with ecoprints, the techniques are carefully tailored to the unique properties of the materials used. Think of the unexpected depths of colour in onion skins, the rich palette of walnut skin and leaves, or the delicate textures created by using ferns and eucalyptus.
Katrien passionately welcomes people who want to develop artistically, and helps them on their way with her rich experience and knowledge. Both technical and artistic crafts are given full attention and room to explore.
Atelier Ailim offers plant-based dyeing, eco-printing, versatile felting and other textile techniques.
About Katrien
Katrien Perquy is a textile artist who follows her own path. Her work is a dialogue with nature, using materials that surround her and processing them in a sustainable way. Her background in textile art, grown from her studies at Sint-Lucas in Ghent, forms the basis of a career that spans teaching, designing and exhibiting.
Since 2008, Katrien’s studio has been a place of continuous creation and reflection. Here she organises workshops and forms artistic projects, always with an emphasis on respecting the natural materials she works with. Her work, which is regularly shown in exhibitions, is an invitation to look at textiles differently-not as a product, but as an art form deeply rooted and intertwined with the environment.