Forage & Stitch - Using natural materials in textile art
Written by Caroline Hyde-Brown
Search Press
‘Nature is my safe space’ - Caroline Hyde-Brown
The above opening words of this book drew me to its author immediately. As a fellow artist, I too have tasted the healing power that a walk in the outside world can provide. This artist has chosen a niche area to really hone in on, the idea of exploring…..with a point. Forage - to seek, to wander to search out supplies of some form. In this titles case, the subject matter within, chases us through many techniques which relate to the initial subject. When I use the word chase in this context, I am not suggesting that the author rushes the learning process, rather reading the books pages excited me enough to want to get on and begin experimenting myself - so it is a positive push via text and image. There are eight techniques with projects for each one; so effectively we can see what use learning a certain method can be for our own artistic practice.
Imagine learning through clear instruction how to solar dye, felt, use foraged finds to naturally dye fabrics which can then be used for textile art projects…the one which really confused me in title is ‘Hapa-zone’ (with flowers and leaves). What is it?! I ask. Well, you too can glean your answer if you buy a copy!
There is something very soothing about having a purpose on a walk, you become grounded in that moment, distracted from whatever life is nothing you with and suddenly all you are thinking about is location, where you are, what you and trying to find. What does the season say?
With a stunning gallery of works to showcase Caroline’s beautiful life of embracing all that she loves and lacing it together via her art in this book, I personally found it one I would really use in my own practice. It fed my mind kindly, not too much to take in, not too arduous a method to trial.
What is your nature relationship? Can you connect to it further via using the instructions Caroline vocalises to us through her pages?
She classifies herself as a textiles research artist, so this has more body to it than the visual. She has traveled into other counties such as Japan to really experience various forms of life and art.
In her words, art and healing can come together to be ‘one big creative adventure’.