Lyn McDonald: The Yard and Beyond Exhibition for July

Artist Statement

Stepping out of my house and into the streets of Mildura, the nature

strips and plants that adorn the centre of the roads are predominantly

eucalypts of various species. This move by the council over many

years is strategic in merging the City with the majestic red gums of the

riverfront, which give Mildura its unique environment. How can this be

transformed into Art?

I use the bark and leaves of eucalyptus to give colour and imprints to

my textile works. A process that I call Eco-Alchemy, reflecting the

natural environment.

Natural plant dyed scarves

Installation view, hand-felted silk and wool jacket

Eucalypt on linen

Silk Forest Installation View

Materials for dying of fabrics and prints

Detail from Silk Forest 1-9

Shibori dyeing workshop by Ann Hayward

Shibori dyeing samples by Ann Hayward

The wonderful Ann Hayward will be holding an introduction to the Ancient Japanese  method of dyeing fabrics called Shibori using indigo dye.

Shibori is a method of resist indigo dyeing that includes clamping, wrapping, stitching and folding.

 When: January 27^th

Where: Lyn McDonalds studio

Cost: $40.00

To register and find out more details about the location of Lyn’s Studio please contact Ann Hayward on: 0459 162 708

You will need to supply:

• ·      Natural fabrics, some silk will be available to purchase at $10 per metre
• ·      Threads – white crochet cotton (cebelia 20); ball of white twine; elastic bands
• ·      Needles – darning needles (equivalent of birch sizes 1-5 ideal); straw needles size 8 or finer
• ·      Coloured tailor’s chalk     *    notebook and pen if desired
• ·      Protective rubber gloves       *   old towel    *   marbles or a variety of beads
• ·      Scissors for fabric and a quick-unpick
• ·      Protective clothes – the dye is permanent
• ·      Your lunch   *   water bottle

Artworks from previous and current workshops held at Gallery F
are now on display in the entry exhibition space

Samples of work from participants in the Shibori dyeing workshop with Ann Hayward

TIP: Op shops are great sources of white cotton tops just waiting to be given new life.