Bee Bowen Botanically Dyed Textiles

My textiles are an attempt to examine nature’s transient beauty through the lens of a designer.

Every leaf contains within its veins a story of a time and place. Using sustainable dyeing techniques, I’m extracting this story told through vivid colour and pattern and embalming it for posterity.

Each piece is individually handcrafted using locally foraged flora. Real leaves, fronds and flowers are placed in the folds of the fabric and infused in rainwater or ocean surf to draw out the hues and contours.

Since results vary from leaf to leaf, tree to tree, season to season, each piece is unique – a gentle protest against mass production and fast fashion.