Diana van der Harst is a multidisciplinary artist building an ever‑evolving Leftover Universe where Tender Time Sighs. Working mainly in textiles alongside painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, photography and writing, she traces encounters between inner and outer worlds—zooming from the intimate to the vast, like breath. Her poetic, intuitive practice reveals leftovers and traces of transformation, weaving narrative, emotion and a touch of magical realism into contemporary, contemplative work.
Born and raised in the Netherlands and now based in Australia, Diana van der Harst completed her main art training in the Netherlands and began exhibiting in 2004. A 2007 textile design masterclass led to an invitation to show in Tokyo; since then she has held four solo exhibitions and undertaken several work periods in Kyoto. With over 20 years of exhibiting, her work has been shown in the Netherlands, Belgium (Antwerp), Australia (Melbourne, Perth) and Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto).
My handmade process is rooted in the belief that nothing truly ends; every finished work becomes the beginning of another. I work intuitively with what remains—offcuts, fragments, traces, quick sketches, half-finished doodles, and leftover materials—allowing them to carry the memory of previous pieces into new forms. In this way, making becomes a continuous cycle of transformation, recovery, and renewal.
I use natural and eco-conscious materials wherever I can and ancient craft techniques are central to my practice. Embroidery, quilting, patchwork, painting, drawing, ceramics, poetry; these processes are deliberately slow and tactile. They value patience, attention, and the presence of the hand in contrast to the speed and disposability of contemporary life. I see every handmade object as something that can hold energy: an object made with love and care can become a small talisman, carrying warmth, memory, and the possibility of making a gentle difference in the world.
My work grows from a desire to create sustainable, soul-friendly pieces that are kind to both the environment and ourselves. By embracing leftovers rather than disregarding them, I aim to transform what has been lost, neglected, or discarded into something meaningful. Each work becomes a small universe of layered materials, stories, emotions, and quiet transformations—reminding us that where one thing ends, another can come alive.
Email: leftoveruniverse@gmail.com | Website: http://www.leftoveruniverse.com | Instagram: @dhyana_in_a_leftover_universe
All material on this blog is copyrighted and not to be used without permission. All rights reserved. © 2026 Diana van der Harst
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