about me
About
My name is Lotte van Schijndel, a Dutch textile artist with a background in fashion design.
I studied at the Fashion Academy in Antwerp and ArtEZ University of the Arts in Arnhem, and also Psychology at Utrecht University. After graduating, I moved to Paris, where an internship led to several years in the fashion industry. I later returned to the Netherlands, working in fashion and interior design.
After fifteen years in a fast-moving commercial world, I began to seek a different way of working. Moving from fashion to textile art brought more freedom, attention and tenderness to my practice. It also brought me back to my original interest: the people who wear clothes and how clothing affects them.
That shift became Benvenuta.
Today, I create textile portraits, intuitively building figures from layers of fabric, wool, embroidery and sometimes beads. Some begin with a photograph; others take shape through my imagination. I am particularly interested in how women see themselves, see one another and relate to each other.
My imagined figures bring together memories of clothing, the traditional dress worn by my ancestors and contemporary imagery. Their identities emerge through making: a face, a posture, a choice of colour or an unexpected detail.
Against the speed of online imagery, I work slowly, stitch by stitch. Linen, silk and wool sit alongside reclaimed fabrics and everyday beads. Frayed edges and loose threads remain visible beside detailed embroidery, revealing how each figure came into being.
Benvenuta means welcome in Italian. It is also the name of our home, where I work from a small garden studio. The name reflects the openness and warmth I want to bring to my work.
On view
GROUP EXHIBITION: Exhibition 'Identity' at Art'otel Amsterdam / 16 September - 28 November 2026
example I
Portrait 30x30
An intimate textile portrait of one or two people, created from a favourite photograph using carefully selected fabrics, appliqué and embroidery.
Example price: €750
Including VAT and a handmade wooden box frame.
Prices may vary depending on the composition and level of detail.
EXAMPLE II
30x40
A richly detailed family portrait based on a special photograph, created using carefully selected fabrics, appliqué and embroidery. Personal elements—such as a piece of fabric from the wedding dress—can be incorporated into the artwork to make it even more meaningful.
Example price: €950
Including VAT and a handmade wooden box frame.
Prices may vary depending on the number of people, composition and level of detail.
EXAMPLE III
100x100cm
For a large statement piece of 100 × 100 cm, prices start at €2250 for one or two people. Additional figures generally add around €150 each. The final price depends on the composition, level of detail and chosen photograph. All prices include VAT and a wooden box frame, excl shipping