Presentation with Susan Fell Mclean :: 'The art and science of plant dyes - reclaiming know...'
1 - 2pm Sat 18 Aug 2018
When in 1856 William Henry Perkins accidently discovered the first aniline dye – our aesthetics of colour was altered forever. Plant dye knowledge was almost lost in the 19th century with the discovery of dyes derived from coal tar.
At a time when the environment of our planet is suffering a disastrous assault from pollution, runoff from synthetic dyes used in the textile industry, flows freely into many rivers throughout the world. Today, globally, there is a resurgence of interest in dyes from nature. Natural dyes generate both monetary and non monetary value and bear the seeds of a sustainable future. With increasing emphasis on the interconnectedness of the environment to social, cultural and economic dimensions of sustainable development, it is possible to envisage natural dyes as a central pillar for sustainable development. Susan Fell Mclean will share a presentation that enlightens us about a burgeoning dynamic global natural dye movement. She draws on her recent attendance as guest presenter at the UNESCO Madagascar Festival of Plants Ecology and Colour, where scientists, writers, dye experts, artists and traditional dyers gathered to share latest research.
Susan is an internationally recognised textile artist, specialising in shibori and natural dyes, specifically eucalyptus and indigo, and application to contemporary Pojagi. While recovery of knowledge is enthusiastically being compiled for many plants, there is very little documentation of eucalyptus as dye. It use has scant historical or traditional practice. Susan’s exhibition “Gondwana Colour:Eucalyptus Colour” is showing at Lismore Regional Gallery from 2 August to 2 September. She is the gallery’s Artist in Residence during this time.
In an exploration of chemical analysis of eucalyptus used for dyeing protein fibres, Susan collaborated with a research scientist, Ashley Dowel, manager of the Analytical Research Laboratory Southern Cross Plant Science. Susan will present the research outcomes. She will share some of this information.
This event is part of the exciting program for National Science Week, presented by Northern Rivers Science Hub – “ Art/vs/Science in the Quad, Lismore
Register for the event here
.png)
smnall_web.jpg)
_web_small_2.png)
