Artist in Residence
Trebah Garden is pleased to announce that Francesca Owen will be artist in residence from winter 2011 to summer 2012.
Francesca Owen is currently studying for her MA in Art and Environment at University College Falmouth. As part of her final year studies she approached Trebah Garden with the idea for a residency in relation with her work in exploring the process of natural dyes. Francesca wrote:
"The garden is ideal since it displays a diverse array of plants from many parts of the globe. I intend to research the plants, the history of the place and the ecological context through a number of artistic methods. My current work involves extracting natural dyes from plant materials".
Natural Dyeing - A World of Colour
As part of her research, Francesca has already been involved in a project called The Colour Garden, which was based at Newlyn Art Gallery during the summer of 2011. A series of workshops were then held, learning to dye fabric using natural dyes, which in turn were then made into a sculptural wall hanging and exhibited at the gallery.
During her residency at Trebah, Francesca has worked closely with Trebah's Garden Archivist, Nicola Wharton to identify approximately 28 plants that could be used to extract natural dyes. Francesca says:
"Using the ethos of the Slow Art Movement, I wish to build a deep and meaningful connection with the garden. My initial interest is in the plants that are well known to Trebah, for example, Rhododendron, Aloe, Bamboo and Gunnera. However, I am also keen to research less well known plants which might equally provide useful inspiration and materials for art making".
Quercus rubra drawing - hessian process - to the dye pot.
To learn more about Francesca's work, please log onto her blog:
Adult Workshop - Tuesday 6 March 2012
Botanical Dyes for a Sustainable Practice with Francesca Owen, Artist, Botanical Dyer and Workshop Leader.
As part of her residency, Francesca will be holding a unique one day workshop for adults. You will be able to dye a handmade silk scarf with plants from Trebah Garden and learn about botanical dyes. Enjoy discovering a world of colour and exploring sources of practical colour from nature. The shades and tones vary greatly from those produced using chemically manufactured dyes, and might lead to a broader interest and understanding of plants and growing them.
12am to 4pm in the Vinery Room.
£30 per person, booking essential as places are limited to a maximum of 8 people. Please telephone: 01326 252200 to book your place.
Open Studio Days
During February 2012, Francesca will hold a number of Open Studio days for visitors to the garden, to see her at work, talk to Francesca about her work and the process of natural dyes and to see some of the results of her work. The dates will be announced shortly.
