MEMORIES IN DAPPLED LIGHT
2024 | Eucalyptus and woad on mulberry silk and cotton | 120cm x 95cm
Memories in Dappled Light is a large-scale wall piece that emphasises the beauty and respect for nature. This artwork is mounted in a wooden frame but, inspired by nature, it grows and breaks free from the confines of its rectangular boundary. The fabric extends beyond the frame, softening its rigid lines while remaining taut enough to let light pass through, casting shadows on nearby surfaces.
The inspiration behind this work is to capture the essence of treasured childhood memories. The memories of basking in the sun, finding solace under tree canopies, and the simple joy of dipping toes in cool creek water. The work aims to evoke the feeling of these moments—not a clear picture, but a feeling; a blurry, muffled, yet calming memory of youth. This piece also speaks to the cyclical nature of life and creation, emphasising that every artwork, like everything in nature, eventually returns to the earth. Over time, the silk fabric will age, tear, and loosen from its frame, symbolising the natural fading of memories, and hopefully one day, the work will return to the earth from which inspired its creation.
The creation of Memories in Dappled Light involved eco-friendly methods and materials. Dead-stock silk was chosen for its sustainability, limiting waste where possible. The dyeing process included gathering eucalyptus leaves and creek water from the location that inspired the piece, as well as sourcing woad powder. These natural elements were turned into watercolour pastes, which were then poured over the silk and left to dry in the sun, absorbing the natural elements' essence.
Cotton and silk threads were dyed in the remaining watercolour paste and also dried in the sun. Once dried, the fabrics were cut, layered, and stitched in a way that allowed light to filter through, creating shadows that echo the patterns of fallen leaves on the ground and the shadows cast onto its surroundings similar to dappled light streaming through the trees. Additional details were embroidered onto the fabric to reflect the environment's textures, such as water rippling on the creek, the eucalyptus bark’s textures, the shadows being cast on the decaying leafy floor, all components adding depth and detail to the piece.
Memories in Dappled Light serves as a reminder of the beauty and impermanence of both memories and nature. By using natural materials and processes, the artwork captures a sense of place and time while honouring the inevitable return to the earth. This piece invites viewers to reflect on their own cherished memories and the natural cycles of life. It underscores the importance of sustainability in art, demonstrating how creativity can honour and be part of the natural world. Memories in Dappled Light aims to leave a lasting impression, capturing the fleeting beauty of ephemeral moments.