Willows Wispers
playing with dye baths, Bob Dylan & love
The spring here is taking its time. Southern Ontario is like that , extreme. One day is tank top weather, the next its a snow storm, and you forgot where you left your mittens. I try to appreciate the swings of the seasons, but honestly Im much more a tank top weather kinda gal.
Last week after a night of ice & wild winds, I was able to gather piles of fallen willow branches near the lake. I dont often find much fallen willow, the beavers are quicker to collect it that I am.
I didnt do much measuring, just some chopping and figuring it was enough to try out for some dye samples. Not very scientific, more by gut feelings, more letting things just be as they will. I realize that’s not much help for you, dear reader. If you know me you’ll understand.
If I was going to be more precise, I would probably start with equal weight willow branches to fiber. The branches I used were pretty thin, most were newer growth.
The fabric is a hemp/organic cotton blend, the two bottom pieces were mordanted with alum acetate at 6% WOF. The larger top piece was not.
.The colour is a strong rose pink. Absolutely a tannin. Reminds me of spruce cones, but a bit richer in colour. I adore it.
Ive been taking a printing course with Maiwa , so of course I figured I would play with some iron printing paste on the willow. I dig the colour.
I meant to take a picture before the printing, but I forgot in my excitement to play . I often forget “business” in my creativity.
(Willow is also another ethical substitute for avocado pit dying, for us here in the land of winter I mean in the global north ;) you can read more about that here. )
I hope the returning of the sun is treating your soul well.
I leave you with one of my favorite musicians lyrics, that I think is fitting for the season we are in.
Masters of War Song by Bob Dylan ‧ 1963
Come you masters of war
You that build the big guns
You that build the death planes
You that build all the bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know
I can see through your masks
You that never done nothin'
But build to destroy
You play with my world
Like it's your little toy
You put a gun in my hand
And you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther
When the fast bullets fly
Like Judas of old
You lie and deceive
A world war can be won
You want me to believe
But I see through your eyes
And I see through your brain
Like I see through the water
That runs down my drain
You fasten all the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you sit back and watch
When the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion
While the young people's blood
Flows out of their bodies
And is buried in the mud
You've thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain't worth the blood
That runs in your veins
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I'm young
You might say I'm unlearned
But there's one thing I know
Though I'm younger than you
That even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good?
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could?
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
Stay rooted in love friends, take care of each other. We are One. Stay human.
xo Julia
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