MEMORIES IN
DAPPLED LIGHT
2024 | Eucalyptus and woad on mulberry silk and cotton | 120cm x 95cm
Memories in Dappled Light is a large-scale textile installation examining the relationship between material, light and form.The piece is mounted within a wooden frame, however the textile extends beyond its edges, disrupting the rigid structure and allowing the material to move and interact with light. As light passes through the fabric, soft shadows are cast onto surrounding surfaces, creating subtle changes throughout the day.
The work draws on memories of childhood experiences in nature, time spent basking in the sun, finding solace under tree canopies and the simple joy of dipping toes in cool creek water. Rather than depicting these moments literally, the piece focuses on the atmosphere they create; a blurry, muffled, yet calming memory of youth. The work reflects on how memories shift over time, becoming less defined yet emotionally present.
Made from silk, the piece is designed to change with age. As the material naturally loosens and wears, it mirrors the way memories fade and evolve, while also referencing the cyclical nature of materials and their eventual return to the environment. This process-led approach places equal importance on the making, the material and the passage of time.
The creation of Memories in Dappled Light involved eco-friendly methods and materials. Dead-stock silk was chosen for its sustainability, limiting waste where possible. The dyeing process included gathering eucalyptus leaves and creek water from the location that inspired the piece, as well as sourcing woad powder. These natural elements were turned into watercolour pastes, which were then poured over the silk and left to dry in the sun, absorbing the natural elements' essence.
Cotton and silk threads were dyed in the remaining watercolour paste and also dried in the sun. Once dried, the fabrics were cut, layered and stitched in a way that allowed light to filter through, creating shadows that echo the patterns of fallen leaves on the ground and the shadows cast onto its surroundings similar to dappled light streaming through the trees. Additional details were embroidered onto the fabric to reflect the environment's textures, such as water rippling on the creek, the eucalyptus bark’s textures, the shadows being cast on the decaying leafy floor, all components adding depth and detail to the piece.
Memories in Dappled Light serves as a reminder of the beauty and impermanence of both memories and nature. By using natural materials and processes, the artwork captures a sense of place and time while honouring the inevitable return to the earth. This piece invites viewers to reflect on their own cherished memories and the natural cycles of life. It underscores the importance of sustainability in art, demonstrating how creativity can honour and be part of the natural world. Memories in Dappled Light aims to leave a lasting impression, capturing the fleeting beauty of ephemeral moments.