Foraging For Dyestuff

With sustainability in mind, I ventured out in my local area to forage for plants. I kept a record of location, plant species and amount/weight of plant collected. Through these foraging trips I gained a greater understanding of the environments different plants thrive under, the seasons and which plants are available near me. I also grew an understanding of the dangers some plants pose and to be extra careful when collecting plants and researching the species before picking and using as a dyestuff. Some plants contain toxins and poisons so vigilance in identification is key. At this stage of the project I began to reflect how foraging is in opposition to mindfulness.

Foraging is an act of actively looking for something rather mindfulness in contrast, is inactive and not reaching for anything in particular - it is simply being mindful of the present moment. I considered the heightened awareness of mental health in the UK and the booming wellness industry. Foraging for mindfulness has organically grown through the desire for better mental wellbeing. My project evolved to provide a commentary on this through natural colours as a symbol of foraging and the process of slow and thoughtful textile processes to symbolise mindfulness.