Linda Balding is a Nowra textile artist working with print, dyeing, fabric and threads. In her art practice, Linda works with the tactile nature of fabrics, the clarity of print and the variety of natural dyed hues, to highlight the beauty of the bushland environment. Living in the forest on the NSW South Coast allows her to watch and be inspired by the continual change in colour and patterns in nature. Recent work has explored using eucalyptus leaves and other plants from the bush to eco dye silk, wool, cotton, and paper to capture the unpredictable images left behind by the dyeing process. The dyed pieces are then developed further using her own screen-printed designs. She often uses quilted layers of fabric with the surface embellished with hand and machine stitching, woollen threads, wire, cord, or foil to create a feeling of depth and focus.
Ode to Bundanon – Pastoral (40x40cm). Bundanon has been Linda’a work place and inspiration for 22 years as an arts educator. She took this image looking out from the homestead, standing under the ancient magnolia grandiflora which is casting deep shadows.
See more artwork by Linda at: www.forestandthreads.com
AW9 Preview is a series of daily blog posts from 4 October to 8 November 2024 that will feature an artist and preview their artwork from the Ozquilt Network members’ exhibition Australia Wide Nine. The exhibition will premiere at Fabrik Arts and Heritage Art Gallery, Lobethal, South Australia from 8 November to 8 December 2024 and continue on tour until September 2026. Please direct any exhibition queries to AW9@ozquiltnetwork.org.au
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