For many centuries and in many parts of the world, coloured earths were used for dyeing cloth.
The various kinds of soil from different geographical locations create a varied and subtle colour palette, however, this ancient craft has been all but forgotten and earth is rarely used for colouration.
HOW DID TEXTILES INFORM YOUR RESPONSE?
I started this project as a response to sustainability issues in the production and finishing of textiles. Chemical dye-stuffs and the tonnes of water used in the textile dyeing industry have huge environmental impact, but use of natural dyes are often seen as a niche or impractical alternative. I tried to develop a new dye method in response to these issues and communicating the value of soil as a resource.
WHAT WAS YOUR DESIGN OUTCOME?
The potential of earth for textile colouration has been examined through various dyeing and printing experiments, and a rich palette of earth pigments were created with 45 different soils collected from varied geographical locations across South Korea and the UK.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION OF TEXTILE FUTURES?
My vision of textile futures is the re-discovery of everyday materials from nature. There are many different natural materials that were once used but are now forgotten. I think rediscovering these materials and using them wisely is essential for a sustainable future.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I am interested in taking a different perspective on the material world in order to revaluate our relationship with the resources around us.
http://textilefutures.co.uk/earth-dyeing/