Samantha Lester
University of Tasmania
Through researching the artist Cindy Watkins, I have begun to understand the process she undertakes as a an artist from initial idea through to completed object. Cindy’s Process begins when she spends time out in the Central Highlands of the great Western Teirs.
Cindy begins initail sketches and designs inspired by the natural landscapes, this is how she gets an idea of what her final tapestries will look like.
Next Cindy begins to choose her material. She predominatly uses organic cottons and silk threads, each of her art works are different and she uses this time to select materials based on her connection to the environment.
She collects natural colourants such as leaves and plants, of which, she makes plant based dyes. These plants are also sourced directly from the Central Highlands of the Great Western Teirs. She then makes her colour selections through a process of trying different colours on different fabrics.
Finally, she begins to construct the tapestry.
For my own works, I am wanting to experiement with natural dyes as well as sourcing natural materials. As I have been influenced by Cindy’s process, I want to create a series of small felt pillows, inspired by moss, mushrooms and green sprawling forest floors which are found near my family home. The pillows will be tactile, and include heavy texturing and embroidery. This relates to my initial intention to create sensory exploritative works that engage with people, specifically children.
I have begun to collect samples from the natural environment, of which I am begining to collate.
The pillows will be made primarily of felt. I hope to be able to dye some natural cottons in the coming week, made from the collected plants.
Images: Photographed by Samantha Lester
Cindy begins initail sketches and designs inspired by the natural landscapes, this is how she gets an idea of what her final tapestries will look like.
Next Cindy begins to choose her material. She predominatly uses organic cottons and silk threads, each of her art works are different and she uses this time to select materials based on her connection to the environment.
She collects natural colourants such as leaves and plants, of which, she makes plant based dyes. These plants are also sourced directly from the Central Highlands of the Great Western Teirs. She then makes her colour selections through a process of trying different colours on different fabrics.
Finally, she begins to construct the tapestry.
For my own works, I am wanting to experiement with natural dyes as well as sourcing natural materials. As I have been influenced by Cindy’s process, I want to create a series of small felt pillows, inspired by moss, mushrooms and green sprawling forest floors which are found near my family home. The pillows will be tactile, and include heavy texturing and embroidery. This relates to my initial intention to create sensory exploritative works that engage with people, specifically children.
I have begun to collect samples from the natural environment, of which I am begining to collate.
The pillows will be made primarily of felt. I hope to be able to dye some natural cottons in the coming week, made from the collected plants.
Images: Photographed by Samantha Lester