489 Caroline Nixon
Region: Chipping Norton – North & West
Artform: Textiles
I work with natural dyes and botanical contact printing ( ecoprinting ) a contemporary adaptation of the ancient art of dyeing with plant based pigments. Capturing the beauty of nature by using the pigments imprints and chemistry of the leaves themselves ‘ no synthetic ink, dyes or silk screens are involved. Hand and free machine stitch are extensively used for embellishment, producing complex patterned cloth. The’naturally occurring colours are soft and’harmonious, and the’process is non polluting and respectful of the’environment.
My inspiration comes from nature itself, working with seasonally available materials and letting the shapes of the leaves determine mydesigns. Specific folding techniques allow symmetry, mirroring and repetition.
The plants and dyes’come’from sustainable’ sources – many are’grown in my own garden. The smallest change in plant species, climatic’conditions water’source or printing technique can produce variations in the’ prints, meaning every item is unique. Essentially these are monoprints. A magical combination of art, science and serendipity.
Despite the natural process, these textiles are washable.
The fabrics used are natural fibres, organically produced and ethically sourced wherever’possible. Vintage textiles are also’upcycled, giving them a new lease of life. Much of the’linen and’lace is sourced from French brocantes. The’cooking pots’used’for processing are’also recycled – copper preserving’pans, cast iron laundry pots,’aluminium cooking’pots. The antithesis of today’s”throwaway’ society.
Venue
Wise Investment
The Great Barn Chalford Park Barns Oxford Road
long compton
OX7 5QR
Telephone: 01608 695100
Email: caroline.nixon@btinternet.com
Instagram: handmadecaroline
Website: https://www.handmadetextilesbycaroline.co.uk/428813282/category/880984/art-textiles
Opening Dates and Times
May 2025
Times: 10-5 pm