04 august 2026, Martine Bontjes
The studio of... Sofie Aaldering
Towards the end of her Fashion & Design studies, Sofie Aaldering shifted her focus from the body to the space around it. She realised that her fascination with textiles no longer needed to be tied to the human body. That discovery felt immensely liberating and marked the beginning of a diverse design practice. Alongside her distinctive wall sculptures, Aaldering recently started to design lamps. Her ambitions still continue to grow. She dreams of creating an entire interior, from walls and lighting to furniture and carpets.
This Thursday 6 August, Sofie Aaldering will be at Rademakers Gallery from 4.00 to 7.00 pm for a Meet & Greet. Visitors are invited to talk with the artist about her work and discuss the possibilities of commissioning a custom made design.
Where is your studio and how would you describe this place?
My studio is in Zevenaar, in a historic building that was once a girls' school. The front façade has beautiful windows with red awnings. I completely fell in love with the daylight there. It gives the space a very special atmosphere. Inside, you'll find rolls of fabric, unfinished works and projects I'm currently working on everywhere. Sometimes it's a complete mess, but that's simply part of the way I work. I also love having everything neat and tidy again, but during the making process the space should feel alive.
What is the first thing you do when you arrive at your studio? Which task do you prefer to start with?
The first thing I do is raise the blinds so the daylight can flood the room. Then I make a cup of tea, switch on the radio and write a to do list. Only then does it feel as though the working day can really begin.
Sofie Aaldering, Textile Painting Roussillon, Rademakers GalleryYou studied Fashion & Design. When did you realise you wanted to focus primarily on design and spatial work?
It wasn't until the final months of my studies. Before then, my focus was mainly on the body, experimenting with textiles and materials and exploring how they could be worn. During my graduation project, I discovered that creating work for the wall or for a space brought me just as much happiness. It felt incredibly liberating. Suddenly I realised my work no longer had to be tied to the body.
You sometimes work with leftover materials. Where do you find them?
It varies. In the beginning I found many of my materials in thrift shops and I still enjoy visiting them. Nowadays I also regularly buy from a supplier specialising in deadstock materials. It's a place I always leave feeling inspired.
Nature plays an important role in your work. Are there particular landscapes or places in nature that you keep returning to?
There isn't one specific place I always return to. I'm mainly inspired by the organic forms you encounter throughout nature. Flowers, coral and other living, growing structures fascinate me enormously. They are often incredibly delicate and fragile, yet at the same time remarkably powerful. That contrast really appeals to me and I try to reflect it in my work. During walks I often photograph details that catch my eye. Those shapes, structures and textures naturally find their way into my designs later on.
Your practice continues to expand. Alongside your wall sculptures, you now also design lighting. Is that a direction you would like to pursue further?
Absolutely. I really enjoy discovering new disciplines. Every object presents its own challenges. With a lamp, for example, you have to consider light and technical aspects, while furniture raises entirely different questions. That's exactly what makes it so interesting. Ever since I realised during my studies that my work didn't have to revolve around the body, it has felt as though anything is possible. If I'm curious about a material or an object, why shouldn't I explore it? Ultimately, I would love to create an entire interior, from walls and lighting to furniture and carpets. A cabinet featuring my signature organic forms would be a wonderful project. But one day, I'd also love to return to fashion.
Sofie Aaldering, Between Storms, Rademakers GalleryYou have collaborated with brands such as Dior. Is there a designer or artist you would still love to work with?
Fashion houses will always have a special place in my heart, so I certainly hope to collaborate with a house like Hermès one day. I'd also find it incredibly inspiring to work with designers who specialise in wood or glass. So if anyone reading this fits that description, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Are there any materials you're particularly curious about at the moment but haven't yet incorporated into your work?
Yes, wood and glass. I'm especially interested in combining those materials with textiles. I love contrasts, softness against hardness, strength alongside fragility. That's the tension I want to continue exploring. I've already carried out a few initial experiments with glass, but I'm eager to develop them much further over the coming months.
What are you looking forward to most at the moment?
Without a doubt, the Meet & Greet at Rademakers Gallery on 6 August. A selection of my work will be on display that day, including both large and small pieces, brand new creations and several older favourites. I really enjoy meeting visitors in person and sharing more about my work. How does a piece come into being? Where do I find my inspiration? What is the story behind a particular work?
It's also a wonderful opportunity to talk about custom made commissions. Since I'll be there in person, we can explore the possibilities together. I find it especially rewarding to create something that is entirely tailored to someone's wishes. It can certainly present challenges, but that's precisely what makes the creative process so enjoyable for me.
Sofie Aaldering, Serene bloom, Rademakers Gallery