Exploring Creativity and Nature's Imperfections

Nature as a creative guide

Witnessing nature's rebirth gives me the inspiration to explore new directions. I'm so enjoying the aimlessness and confusion of figuring out new processes and applications in my creative work. Just as nature's cycles unfold unpredictably (there's snow predicted for tonight with temperatures in the 70s expected in two days), my own creative exploration thrives on a similar unpredictability.

Embracing the uncertainty of the creative process

Unlike production work, like when I would create 20 Tank Tops or Stovepipe Pants, design work is singular. So, it can be both frustrating and freeing. Much of it is about the process itself and less about the end product.

As is so often the case, seeing a problem often leads to a creative solution. A friend who was a fabulous cook used to say that she was her most creative when they were almost out of food.

What is perfection, anyway?

Imperfections in nature, like the beauty of an old, mossy snag or the unpredictable flow of water, are part of its beauty. In art, imperfections mirror human qualities and tend to be more interesting than perfect, machine-made items. With my work, especially with dyeing, I must embrace the uncertainty of the output, never knowing in advance the exact outcome. Imperfections are inspiration for creativity.

Dyeing with madder spurred my creative juices

An artisan friend invited me to harvest some madder from her garden last fall. I brought home as much as I could dig in the hard-packed soil that occurs here at the end of summer before fall/winter rains.

After allowing it to dry out a bit and removing as much of the soil as possible, I ground the roots in a blender. Then it sat for a couple months, continuing to dry.

Recently, I extracted the madder by simmering it at a low temperature and then straining it. Since it was my first time dyeing with the root, I did some experiments to see what would happen.

The heat slowly takes the dye from the madder into the water.

Each piece I dyed was mordanted with either a tannin or alum. (Mordants fix the dye so that it stays in the cloth.) Some I dyed twice since I didn't get a deep color. (The ground root may have needed more time in the extraction.) I used a fixative on a few pieces. I also overdyed a few things and got a nice pink hue. I dyed a variety of natural fabrics.

There's something about the uncertainty of the natural dyeing process that heightens my excitement. As I learn more I have more control, but I never know exactly what result I will get due to all the variables, and that's so much fun.

Left to right: overdyed hemp/tencel, hemp/tencel, linen, cotton, silk, cotton, silk.

Sympatico clothing also available by special order

If you've been around for a while, you know that Sympatico started with tops, pants, and skirts. And, while I still have stock in most sizes, it's getting scant in the Mediums and Larges. If you have a size need or special request, let me know, and I'll tell you about the colors available for custom cuts. I don't charge extra for special orders, and I usually deliver within 3 weeks.

Green Tea Mid Weight Trapeze Tunic in XXS and S; Natural Mid Weight Swallowtail Top in XXS, S, XL, XXL.

Need supplies for a textile project of your own?

If you are interested in a creative project of your own, and could use some fabric scraps, I have some Natural undyed hemp/Tencel cutting scraps to give away. If you're out of my area, I am happy to ship and only ask that you pay postage.

I hope you, too, are finding the joy of creativity in your life, whether it be with crafts, gardening, writing or finding a new way to approach a problem. Has nature inspired your creative journey? I'd love to hear your thoughts.