Elin de Jong (elin WANDERLüST) writes about her mission to research the history of colour from old plant books, common knowledge we seem to have lost. She also tells us about her quest to create a ‘magical’ rooftop dye garden in her native city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
As an art historian I have always been interested in stories about how images come together, what does it say and mean and can it mean different things? During my studies I have focused on Medieval art and iconography, how textiles and colours tell a story being my main interest. Being a maker since I have known how to make, I was also very interested in the upcoming D.I.Y. movement and the ‘power’ textiles and crafts can bring to people and communities. All of these themes together made me dive into the world of natural dyes. In my work I try to show the wondrous world of natural dye, the history, biology, beauty and magic (which mostly means chemistry really, but let’s call it magic).
Next to the visual and historical aspect of loving to work with natural colours, it also addresses current environmental problems we are facing in today’s world. We (hopefully) all know by now that the textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. There are only very few solutions, but a big one is being more conscious about the choices we make as a consumer. Do we need it all? Really? And how can I keep it local, clean and honest? Working with plants that give colour to, basically, the waste of other plants and animals, helps me to be excited about making these choices.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Botanical Colors
Silicon Valley Tech Executive Becomes Dyestuff Trader
The Wild Dyery
e-Learning Natural Dyes New Technologies Meet Tradition
The Ethical Fashion Of ZaraMia Ava
“Sustainable luxury produced with zero waste. Made for the fashion conscious with a conscience”
Diary
ARTESANÍAS ROSAS T’IKA: Reclaiming typical natural dyes of the Charca people
The Rooftop Dye Garden: “The Streets Of Amsterdam Are Covered In The Most Beautiful Colours”
Elin de Jong (elin WANDERLüST) writes about her mission to research the history of colour from old plant books, common knowledge we seem to have lost. She also tells us about her quest to create a ‘magical’ rooftop dye garden in her native city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Off To School In The Forest
A Trip To The Bosco Didattico (Educational Forest) In The Ciminian Forest
A Weekend Away In The English Countryside: The Whichford Pottery
When whichford pottery hosted eco printer caroline nixon’s exhibition (no serial number autumn issue 2016) in their shop area, i was invited along, shown around and knew immediately i wanted to feature it in our spring issue! Situated in the most picturesque and midsomer murders type of british countryside they told me their story:
Cork: Much More Than A Stopper
A story told by Luisa Pitadas.
Ceramic Patchwork: A Textile Process In A Ceramic Form
Zoë Hillyard is an artist that grew up in a family where make do and mend was the norm. In her interview with No Serial Number Magazine, she recalled the times when she used to visit jumble sales and car-boot sales and when even a visit to the ‘tip’ would yield treasures from discarded stuff. We interviewed Zoë to find out about her Ceramic Patchwork technique and ended up learning a lot about her journey through her textile design degree, her postgraduate work in development studies, and then her travels. Throughout this journey, she has been incredibly inspired by indigenous cultures and nomadic lifestyles, which led her to explore and pursue simple and functional art forms.
Liquid Vessels Made Of Vintage And Antique Japanese Kanzashi
My mother was the first person I knew to re-purpose something. She taught me to sew when I was about 8 years old and amongst other feats, she effortlessly turned a bed sheet into a set of ruffled curtains for my bedroom. I am fortunate to own the round braided rug that she made about 57 years ago out of Pendleton wool scraps.
