Something magical happened for me last year – my dear friend and creative partner in retreats, Tanya Val, (click through to Tanya's website because it is shockingly gorgeous and inspiring) unlocked something special and sacred in my creative practice. How often does that happen after art school?? Pretty rarely so I always feel like I've accessed a gift when it does. 

Tanya taught me about organic pigment. Yes, I had read and watched and seen the organic dying and ink making process for yearssss, but there's something clarifying about getting that lightbulb moment and watching the magic pour from your own two hands. It sinks in and becomes something you now get to hold and cherish. 

I have led a lot of retreats, and watched this process happen for dozens of retreat guests, but for it to happen to me? What a treasured experience. 

And now I get to share this love and the magic of working in harmony with nature with you. These silk scarves are such a clear representation of the beauty that comes when you create along with the elements and the natural world. I am not in charge – I am simply the artist orchestrating the chemical reactions, choreographing the results as I am able, and selecting the piece I am most proud of to share with you.

Since getting wrapped up in the magic of natural dying at the Italian retreat, I have been just a little bit obsessive. 

• My kitchen is now part-time studio

• There is a growing number of ground roots, dried flowers, inks and stains, jars full of plant matter and silk

• I'm a silk connoisseur now. I've found the most gorgeous type and an ethical supplier and I'm in love

• My a whole area of my laundry room + two cabinets in my kitchen are now dedicated natural dying and inks (no regrets)

• I use a dumpling steamer for the dying process and there has been some confusion around “what's for dinner?" “oh sorry honey, I got distracted dying silk again…”

• This feels like pure delight. I am not in charge. The earth is gonna do what she's gonna do and we are all the recipients of her magic. And also I've learned so much about working alongside this medium, controlling the elements, the heat, the nuances of working with silk. There have been so many surprises along the way and honestly, that's all I want out of life.

Surprise me. I will do my best to be easily delighted. Thank you.