I primarily work with natural fiber fabrics such as silk, cotton, linen, and hemp. These fibers provide a versatile and receptive surface for the various dyeing and fabric manipulation techniques I use.

The process from concept to finished piece begins with choosing dye colors that will achieve the desired palette and effect. Next, the fabric is prepared for dyeing, ensuring it is clean and ready to absorb color evenly. The fabric is then dyed using large pots and heat sources such as a stove to set the colors. Following the initial dyeing, a discharge process may be applied to remove color from specific areas, creating contrast and pattern. After discharge, the fabric can be overdyed or painted to add detail, depth, or additional color. 

Incorporating color, texture, and pattern is achieved through a combination of fabric manipulation techniques and the use of various dyes, paints, and wax. I utilizes shibori and batik methods as resist techniques that create intricate patterns by binding or applying wax to portions of the fabric before dyeing. Discharge allows color removal in specific areas to form designs, while over dyeing adds layers of color after discharge to enhance visual complexity.

The finish and preservation of the artworks vary: some pieces are mounted on canvases or wooden panels to provide structure and permanence, while others are designed to hang freely from rods, allowing movement and interaction with space.

I often integrates my fabric pieces into encaustic artworks or covers for my journals blending textile and wax mediums for a rich, layered effect.

Overall, the process is hands-on and experimental, with attention to how the natural fibers respond to dye and manipulation. Fabric selection is based on the qualities of natural fibers that best suit the dyeing and textural effects desired. The specific preparation methods for the fabrics and the selection process vary based on the project needs and scale of the work.

By combining traditional techniques such as shibori, batik, discharge, and over dye, along with painting and wax application, I create fabric artworks that are rich in color, pattern, and texture. My approach balances careful planning in color choice and technique with the organic qualities of the materials and processes I use.