Process

This eco-friendly process is an exercise in slow creativity, requiring botanical elements, steam, and a great deal of patience. My work begins in my own “Dyer’s Garden,” where I cultivate the specific plants, I use to “print.” I never use synthetic dyes or paints: instead, I rely entirely on the natural pigments and tannins found within the plant matter itself.

To prepare the silk and wool, I pre-treat the fabric—a process known as mordanting—in a bath of natural minerals. After soaking the fabric overnight, I forage for fresh leaves and blossoms to compose my design. I then roll the silk into a tight bundle around a wooden dowel and steam it in a vessel. This heat triggers a chemical bond between the organic matter and the cloth, resulting in a permanent, vivid print.

The most rewarding moment comes when the bundle cools. As I gently peel away the steamed leaves and flowers, the final artwork is revealed. This process is deeply freeing because it requires me to relinquish control. The amount of sunshine, the season’s rainfall, and the daily temperature all dictate the final result, making every piece a unique collaboration with nature.