TEXTUALITY

Eco printing - also known as botanical contact printing - harnesses the natural pigments found in plants, leaves, flowers, barks and other natural materials to transfer designs permanently onto cloth or paper. I love this celebrated eco-friendly approach to printing. It allows me to connect with nature, producing amazing one-of-a-kind patterns, designs and ultimately, artworks.

Eco printing is a dyeing technique that involves placing plant materials onto fabric or paper, bundling them tightly, then applying heat and moisture to extract the natural dyes from the plants. These dyes create an imprint on the material, capturing the intricate details, colours, and shapes of the leaves and other botanical elements used.

Before printing, the fabric or paper must be prepared by scouring and mordanting. Mordanting is the process of treating the scoured material with a mineral salt solution that helps the natural dyes bond to the fibres.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Unlike synthetic dyes, which can be harmful to the environment, eco printing uses natural materials and minimal chemicals. This makes it a more sustainable choice for artists and designers who are conscious of their environmental impact.

Connection to Nature: Eco printing allows us to connect with nature in a tangible way. I love going for a walk in nature and collecting specimens. Each unique piece is a reflection a seasonal time and place!

Uniqueness: No two eco prints are ever alike. The natural variations in plant materials, your design, fabric, make every print a completely unique piece of art.

Versatility: Eco printing can be done on a variety of materials. They include many fabrics, paper, leather, ceramic and even wood. This affords endless creative possibilities, from clothing and accessories to home decor and fine art.

Natural fabrics like silk, wool cotton, linen and hemp work best for eco printing, as the fibres absorb dyes more effectively than synthetic materials. Fibres that come from animals are called protein fibres and ones that are made from plants are called cellulose fibres. I have found that protein fibres of silk and wool print easily and beautifully.

Eco printing is an innovative and sustainable art form that uses natural elements to create beautiful, organic designs on fabric and paper. Since discovering it many years ago I have been enthralled with it's open-ended mysterious nature.... In particular, I appreciate that it does not rely on harsh chemicals and synthetic dyes to get beautiful results.