I have always been fascinated by organic beauty: the smoothness and perfect color of a chestnut, the way tree bark is shaped, the caleidoscope of colors inside a sea shell, the individual beauty of each twig, the intricate pattern on a leaf.
Wherever we go, you will find me collecting whatever that specific corner of the world has to offer (which makes for interesting adventures at airport check-ins when my suitcase is overweight and I need to re-arrange 10 pounds of rocks and pebbles and sea glass *true story* One check-in clerk asked me 'what do you have in that suit case? Rocks?'
I nonchalantly answered 'Yes!' Will never forget the look on her face when she saw my collection of Spanish beach finds).
A few years ago, I stumbled upon the blog of a natural dyer and surface designer. Compost, rusty nails, various plant material, icky stuff that collects in the bottom of your wheel barrow - they were transformed into works of art. I was intrigued and started to experiment.
My work flows with the seasons. Spring brings fresh greens, summer berries and a rainbow of flowers, fall lichen (which are not ready to be used until the next spring) and colorful leaves, winter is for snow dyeing.
I try to be ethical in my use of resources. Plant material is collected from the forest ground, not ripped from the plant. Fruit and vegetable peelings destined for the compost pile are used for dyeing first.
Lately, I am experimenting with eco prints, which are delicate yet powerful, with an almost poetic quality to them.
Some techniques require the use of commercial silk paints, like snow dyeing or some Shibori techniques.