Following my interest in botanical art, I decided to draw in the gardens of Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre on the banks of the Mekong. From a piece of land that was a blank canvas the gardens have been developed to provide a lush backdrop to the textile activities, but they also inform visitors about plants used for natural dying. The Sappan gives pink, red and purple; fresh indigo – green and processed indigo a range of blues; the Indian trumpet produces olives and many more plants add to the palette. As the gardener waters the plants at the end of the afternoon, I appreciate the tranquillity and dedication required to create the beautiful space.
Valerie Kirk - Studio 