welcome to matilda greensleeves
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exploring the wondrous world of botanic dyeing on natural textiles , implementing a slow approach to fashion, a gentle immersion in the art of colour, a quiet observation of plant life at ground level, and the recognition of individual beauty in nature.
simple beauty
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while native flora is chronicled on textiles
it is not eternal
it reflects the impermanence of nature
our environment
and all of life
leaf upon layer
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opening a fresh botanic dye bundle is an enchanting process.. uncertain whether I'll find a blending of gentle pastels or a strikingly clear image, and this is part of the magic. the moment of alchemy revealed. sometimes the desire for detail can momentarily override the appreciation of subtlety, when I'm expecting a precise leaf print and instead find a blurring of colour, or rather a layering of leaves. with no waterproof barrier used, the leaf dye migrates through the layers of fabric leaving a botanic trail. the mixing of tones brings unique and unexpected designs. there's exquisite detail to discover, individual character of leaves, and a fusion of colour. unbundling is a perfect start to my day
subtle shades
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recording the sublime beauty of
eucalyptus blossoms
fine details and the
promise of colour
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winter tones
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the winter has been a time of hibernation
cool and quite colours
dry leaves from a drought filled countryside
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surprisingly
blossoms more bountiful
summer
arrives
on our sun-dried land
draining moisture
parched
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waiting for dusky skies
not ashen
nor ash filled
to reveive
and renew
to reassure
mirroring mirroring
nature and natural
inspired to create
and
creating to inspire
reflect respect
the shortening days
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balancing the desire to retreat
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with the need to feel the southern wind
catching in my hair
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the luminous sun on my back
the enchantment of the season
the falling leaves
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trees resting
to begin life
afresh
a few years ago I began designing and sewing my own bread bags, using a range of natural and organic fabrics.
A large size for sourdough loaves, a square base for sliced loaves - designed to fit over a bakery slicer.
Machine washable between uses, 100% natural fibres including threads and ties.
Bee Happy started with a drawing my then 4 year old son drew.
We created a home-made stencil from it and printed onto t-shirts and singlets.. A lovely way to explore art processes together, and share our results.
That's a while ago now, but the stencil is still intact for an occasional small print run.
Printed with 100% water based non-toxic ink.
an unimagined year
grey
wet
flooding, twice
a winter sun reprieve
my garden
no longer certain of the season
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celebrating the longest day
and the sun
and the wind
and new energy in a new year
botanic printing
natural dyes transferred to fabric
as a unique blending of colour
and plant prints
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australian
windfall leaves
gumnuts
blossoms
& bark
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plastic free dye process