MY PRACTICE
The relationship between humans and nature is a powerful one. For millennia, humans have enjoyed food, medicine, clothing, shelter, spiritual healing, colour, beauty and more from plants. As a natural dyer, my textile practice is rooted in respect and appreciation for the natural world, allowing the plants to tell their story on the cloth. Through my work, I strengthen connection with the natural world in myself and in the people who welcome my textiles into their lives.
I work with natural fibres and botanical dyes to create functional objects that bring beauty and connection to daily life. My processes are never toxic or harmful to people or planet, as ethics and sustainability are of primary importance to me. My surface designs are inspired by plants, wilderness, and historic ways of making across cultures. I explore both ancient and contemporary methods of craft including shibori, block printing, screen printing, and digital design.
education
Sheridan College | Honours Bachelor of Craft and Design: Specialty in Textiles, 2017-2021
awards
East Toronto Quilters Guild Excellence in Stitch Award | Sheridan College, 2020
Maiwa Award for Excellence in Natural Dyes | Sheridan College, 2019
Textile Studio Materials Award | Sheridan College, 2018
ABOUT RHEANNA
Rheanna Gilbert has always felt a passionate connection with the natural world. Camping and hiking since childhood, she has found joy, peace, and inspiration in Canada’s dense coniferous forests. She values the sacred connection between humans and nature and aims to heal and strengthen it within herself and others through her natural dye practice.
Rheanna strives to live a mindful, intentional, and sustainable lifestyle in harmony with the natural world. She loves to nourish the mind, body and soul with yoga, meditation, reading, hiking, rock climbing, delicious food and adventures in nature. Deeply inspired by travel and Earth's varying landscapes, she dreams of traveling the world and experiencing the spectacular variety of environments and cultures that this planet has to offer. The influence of her travels in British Columbia and Rajasthan, India are particularly evident in her current work. Rheanna has just completed her undergrad capstone project focusing on natural dyes and hand printing, and will be receiving her bachelors degree from Sheridan College in the coming weeks.