Wildfire and Mangrove
2021-2023
This collection explores the environmental contrasts found in coastal mangrove ecosystems and the impact of wildfires on these delicate landscapes. The work examines the resilience of nature alongside human-induced environmental changes, using textile art to convey both beauty and concern.
Through layered fabrics and stitching, I've created pieces that represent the transition from sea to land, with the rich biodiversity of mangrove forests juxtaposed against the destructive power of fire. The color palette ranges from cool blues and greens to the warm reds, browns, and blacks of burnt landscapes.
Gallery
Mangrove Transition (2022) - Hand-dyed cotton fabrics, machine pieced and quilted
After the Fire (2023) - Hand-dyed cotton fabrics with burning techniques, machine pieced and quilted
About This Collection
Inspiration
This collection was inspired by my research into coastal ecosystems and the increasing threat of wildfires due to climate change. Mangrove forests are vital carbon sinks and provide crucial habitat for countless species, yet they face multiple threats including rising sea levels, development, and increasingly, wildfires. The horizontal banding in these pieces represents the layers of these ecosystems - from sea to shore to forest - and the impact of fire on each layer.
Techniques
These pieces are created using hand-dyed cotton fabrics that are machine pieced and quilted. I've used a combination of straight-line quilting to emphasize the horizontal layers and free-motion quilting to add texture and movement. Some pieces incorporate subtle burning techniques on the fabric edges to create authentic texture and coloration.
Materials
- Hand-dyed cotton fabrics
- Cotton and silk threads
- Natural dyes including indigo, madder, and walnut
- Cotton batting
Exhibition History
- Environmental Reflections, Online Exhibition, 2022
- Textile Responses to Climate Change, Milton Keynes, 2023