A couple of years ago, I took a course on natural dyeing (dyeing fabrics with plants). It felt exciting and overwhelming at once, a lot to take in. I loved it, it came from a deep need I had to use natural materials that didn’t harm the environment. My love for textiles was reignited (I studied fashion), and I could see how I could use textiles in painting, as collage, going back to the sewing machine. It felt like a big step, and the processes seem complex at first, and I left it to one side (I did try dyeing with avocado pits successfully, and made ink with it).
Natural dyeing is time consuming, it’s slow, like the rythms of nature. And I struggled, so used to immediate, ready to go materials.
I decided to use plant powders to make watercolours, and then found out the dyes aren’t lightfast, they change overtime… Not great for making art! But now, I am embracing it as part of the proccess. Using organic materials means they transform, morph overtime, and that is a beautiful thing. But it goes against the grain of the artworld.
And now I have decided to experiment with natural dyeing again, it is calling me. So I am taking it small steps at a time, starting with onion skins. I cook so much that I have gathered many! I have also bought hollyhock and madder seeds to grow my own plants from scratch…! As I am growing vegetable seeds (we have an allotment), it doesn’t feel daunting anymore.
I will be updating you on the results!