Autumn
botanical inks
Autumn is rolling in quickly.
The brightness of sunshine lingers & there’s a new distinct crispness to the air.
It’s time for woollen layers & being cosy.
Stock up on Bristol Cloth scarves and hats to see through the Winter months ahead.
AUTUMN EQUINOX
Autumn Equinox offers a time for reflection, of the passage of time that has been, what to give thanks for, take with us and invite in more of.
What to bless and let go of…
What to do differently or new intentions to set.
This Equinox I am giving thanks for all of the expansive wild adventure across the South West and Wales that have brought new connections, experiences and opportunities for personal creative expression & evolution.
It’s been such a pleasure to stay in a plethora of beautiful cabins, huts & barns on small organic farms.
BLACK MOUNTAINS
I loved this rustic and minimal, yet perfectly composed shepherd’s hut in the Black Mountains with no-one around for miles, only the company of the fire, the trees, sheep, stars, the stream and owls signing in the night.
Thanks to Canopy & Stars for hosting this precious space.
BILBERRY INK
I was lucky to catch the end tail of the bilberry harvest season and gather enough to make some special ink. Some of my creations can be seen below.
Bilberry grows in acid-rich soils, often amongst heathers. Its a great plant to grow and feed acidic dye-exhaust waters to as it thrives of the high ph.
The pigment is highly sensitive to changes in ph-levels as the images show, the addition of lemon juicing shifting colours to bright pink and the soda ash alkaline and iron waters creating muted bluish purples.
Such a stunning colour palette from one plant.
I felt inspired by the swirling inky medium in the pot and how it turns as the pot moves, to draw these circulating brushes of colour on the paper.
COMING UP NEXT…
DARTMOOR