I have been sick staying at home with my daughter these last few days. It is hard not to catch a bug when working in a childcare centre! But that's ok, I finally found the time to read through this wonderful book called Second Skin by a NZ artist/author India Flint.
It is so inspiring and eye-opening. As its preface reads - Almost from the moment of our birth, clothing acts as our second skin - yet we rarely consider where our clothes have come from and the effects they might have on the environment and ourselves.
India Flint shares her knowledge on selecting, acquiring, wearing, caring for, making and repurposing textiles and clothing, which I find so useful....
A return to to a slightly "smaller" life,
being responsible for fewer garments but ensuring
what we do have is made with skill and kept with care,
would leave us much more time to
enjoy living our lives.
My wardrobe is filled with clothes most of them I am attached to (handmade clothes by my mother and op-shop finds), but too many! and so many of them I have not touched for ages. Really I should have fewer and appreciate them more. I also should spend more time sitting and mending my favourite clothes with a loving care...!
What interests me most in the book is India's bundle dyes from plants she gathers. It leaves traces of leaves and flowers in uncontrolled ways as shown in the picture here. I love the way India prepares the textiles towards dyeing. Almost a ritual. India bringing the textiles to the sea, letting them float in the waves or soak in a rock pool, dries them in the sun. Take them home to give a protein dip (home-made mordant from gathered rusted iron pieces, water from Tofu(soy protein), daily rinsing mix), let them dry in the shade. dip them in ash and warm water then another protein dip.
And ... how the gum tree leaves (Eucalyptus leaves) give such beautiful colours and so many possibilities!
It is all about learning and respecting our environment.....
A highly recommended book :)
Her official website is : http://www.indiaflint.com/
And thank you to Julie for her beautiful eco print & plant dye images which led me to look into it! http://www.flickr.com/photos/julieshackson/sets/72157624962725842/
Erin x
