Morag Macpherson
I use various printing, up-cycling and naturally dyed methods to colour, make marks, paint and repeat patterns onto natural cloth (organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, silk and wool). I do this naturally and digitally. I love working outdoors where possible – in the field (sometimes literally!) – and from my home and garden studio.
Images of Studio
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About My Practice
I’ve been learning about textiles since I crossed over from graphic art to textile art in 2006. Initially, I worked with bright, bold colours which are digitally printed. Nowadays, I am working with nature’s colour palette via eco-printing and natural dyeing. I’m interested in all kinds of printing processes and can be found screen- and monoprinting as well as woodblock printing and mark-making.
My influences usually give a nod to art history references and incorporate anthropological aspects. Nature is always present in my work. I also love to experiment with abstract expressionist painting and mark-making.
Patchworking my own unique fabric with off-cuts and repurposed fabric creates very individual, unique wearable art pieces which are always simple in shape, reversible and one size.
I have a limited edition range of accessories which are small-batch, digitally printed scarves and cushions.
Tools & Materials
I use many pots and pans, ladles, wooden spoons, buckets, gloves and masks when working with natural dyes and eco-printing in my fish kettle. Recycled plastic and various fabrics are used as blankets in this process.
Screens, squeegees, inks, troughs (and industrial cleaning equipment used at a local print room), are necessary when screen- and monoprinting.
Plywood, reused household paint, brushes, mdf board and fixatives are used when painting large scale abstract expressionist paintings and mark-making.
My laptop, ipad and software (Photoshop, Illustrator and Procreate) are all useful when repeating, colouring and setting up print files with my original illustrations. Also my iPhone is a handy-sized camera I carry everywhere with me to capture ideas and photograph images to draw.
Examples of work
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