The Plant Beings

The process of preparing and printing this 50 ft length of fabric took me a couple of months. First was finding the fabric at Goodwill, and mordanting it with alum and iron to be able to accept the plant pigments. Then slowly one by one printing the six long panels and finally stitching them together. This piece, Reaching, will find a temporary resting place draped between two old cherry trees on our shared community property at Columbia Ecovillage where I live. To me this artwork is about reaching across space and our relationships with all beings. How does the act of meeting with another being affect communication?

In early spring, I watched the plants around me bud out. Which would I use in this project? Who would be ready to show their images on the fabric? My process of choosing plants is almost happenstance. I wander through the gardens and wild areas with my clippers and bucket, observing leaf shapes and feeling the energy. Who is eager to join me? For Reaching, I ended up with a collection of new plants to me: a vigorous autumn olive tree/shrub in the parking lot that I had never noticed before, wild rose, and red twig dogwood. Amazing.

This piece, along with others, will be installed outside. I invite you visit and wander among The Plant Beings. Saturday, July 9, 2022, 4-8 pm. Rain or shine.

Location: The Back 40 at Columbia Ecovillage, NE Portland (enter through back gate)

Directions: Starting at NE 42nd Ave and Jarrett St, head east on Jarrett until it ends at a large black walnut tree and a gate. Enter the gate and follow signs to the installation. Access to the rest of Columbia Ecovillage by requested tours.