Artist Statement: Itajime Shibori involves twisting, tying, folding and clamping fabric that is then dyed to create negative spaces and patterns. Ecoprinted fabric is created by sandwiching leaves, flowers, and other objects found in nature between two pieces of fabric that is tightly rolled and steamed. The use of indigo and other natural dyes in Shibori and Ecoprinting creates fabric with endless patterns and rich colors that Kelly sews into handbags and scarves. Artist Biography: Kelly’s love of art began in early childhood. Crayons, paints, and playing outside (usually in mud) offered her far more creative possibilities than any other types of toys. Kelly began painting silk scarves as a teenager and sold them in a nearby gift shop. Her love of plants, art and design led her to study Landscape Architecture and she had a local landscape design/build business for five years. Towards the end of graduate school, she took around 10 years or watercolor classes from Linda Pence and has continued painting since. Over the past few years, she began experimenting with plant dyes and became enamored their richness, complexity and color range. After attending sewing classes and a Shibori and Ecoprint workhop in 2018, she was able to integrate her love of color, design and plants. She now makes and sells handbags and scarves from her hand-dyed fabric.