Dörte Bundt

Textile sculptor

©Milas Samardzic

©Jaclyn Locke

Enhancing the spirit of a space through textiles

Dörte is a self-taught fibre artist specialising in interior decoration
She came to textiles from jewellery
There are 3,800 documented knots in the art of macramé

Dörte Bundt is a textile artist who has immersed herself in the endless possibilities of macramé, weaving, and fibre art. From a young age, she loved to make things with her hands, from ceramics to jewellery. Dörte moved to Australia in her early twenties and studied jewellery making in Sydney, following which she worked as a jewellery designer locally. After a few years, Dörte moved back to Germany where a new career awaited her. It all started simply: the day she wanted to buy macramé accessories to decorate her home, she just could not find what she envisioned. She decided to learn how to make them herself. She quickly developed her own style, integrating various textile techniques and materials into her work. Today, Dörte creates large-scale textile art and bespoke pieces, such as handbag pendants for luxury brands like Miu Miu. Her creations reflect a profound understanding of texture, rhythm, and craftsmanship, showcasing her lifelong passion for working with her hands.

Interview

©Jaclyn Locke

©Jaclyn Locke

How did you come to this craft?: My journey as a fibre artist began during a road trip through California in 2013, where I was captivated by the prominence of textile art. Upon returning to Germany, I noticed that this art form was nearly absent. Inspired to create something tactile and meaningful for my home, I taught myself macramé, weaving, and embroidery. Over time, I built a fibre art practice that blends diverse techniques and materials into a cohesive style.
What do you like about textiles?: I am drawn to the versatility of textiles. Whether working with cotton, silk, agave, or raffia, each material has its own unique characteristics and potential. Textiles are both a medium of personal expression and a way to enhance the atmosphere of a space. Large-scale works, in particular, allow me to infuse spaces with warmth, texture, and a sense of presence.
What inspires you?: Nature, architecture, and music are endless sources of inspiration, but I am also deeply inspired by the materials themselves. Many fibres possess a natural beauty, and my role as an artist is to bring out their essence. My work is often site-specific, responding to the unique energy of a place.
What is important to you in your work?: Understanding the context where my work will live is essential. I also enjoy exploring new mediums like wood, clay, and metal, as I believe creativity is an evolving process. For me, the heart of my work lies in creating pieces that connect people to their environment in meaningful and lasting ways.

Dörte Bundt is a master artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2016