Discovering Botanical Colours

 

I can't believe that it has been so long since my last blog -just highlights how busy life is and how it is often hard to fit in the small moments of reflection...

I've started 2013 off with the hope of rectifying that - beginning by reconnecting with nature and the stunning beauty of the plant kingdom.  Immersed for five days in a workshop by inspirational textile artist India Flint in the moody bush and mist clad hills of Titirangi.  Not only has the workshop reminded me of the myriad qualities of plants that grow all around us but it has allowed me time to reflect on the year that has been and in particular the year to come.  

India's workshop so far has been an amazing and totally absorbing immersion in the world of plant dyes and eco-prints using only plants, water and heat.

The best way to describe the joy of discovering the incredible beauty that exists within the cells of plants is through the photos of the experiments that I have produced so far on the workshop with the gentle, funny and wise guidance of India.

Firstly we explore our local bioregion and put together a parcel of windfall plant treasures.  A bowl of dye is created using local plants ready for the parcels.

 

Heat is added and the parcels 'bubble and boil'...

Then the truely exciting part - the opening of the parcel and the discovery of what wonderful marks have been made on the fabric from the plant material - it's like opening up the soul of a plant and hearing its whispers...

Every piece of fabric is unique and utterly intoxicating in its beauty - i've fallen totally in love all over again with the botanical world and been given a unique opportunity to discover yet another reason why we should all adore our botanical cousins  - thank you India for such a special journey!

And they just keep getting better and better...

I can't wait to see what the remainder of the workshop will reveal.