In this artist-led workshop you’ll take a stroll with the artist through our exhibition Rearranged: Art of the Flower before returning to the studio to get hands on with natural dyes.
Here, Norton will walk you through native plants, their uses, the chemistry behind natural dyes, Norton’s arts practice and how they use earth pigments as mordants as well as some textile history.
Each participant receives a silk bandana, glass jar, twine, earth pigments and dye to make an original silk creation to take home.
All abilities welcome.
Norton Fredericks (they/ he) born 1990 in Tulmur, Ipswich is a queer visual artist and workshop facilitator. Norton has mixed European and Aboriginal Australian (Murri) heritage and currently lives on Kombumerri Country, Gold Coast. Their work is at the intersection of science and art, exploring the dialogue between environmental sustainability, queer ecologies and First Nations knowledges. Investigating these themes through research and practice-based artwork Norton explores historical and ancient techniques in a contemporary way that is often site specific, responding to place and Country.
As Norton examines how elements interact with materials, they use the mechanics of natural fibres, organic chemistry, microscopy, and metals to imbue their work with geographical memory. There is deep consideration for the sustainable materials chosen, focusing on the recyclable or compostable. Due to their relational approach, their work aims to overcome plant blindness and inspire deeper environmental care.
