The connection to nature is a vital part of being a human on this earth. We thrive when we have access to nature and can spend time outdoors, surrounded by plants, rocks, water, and soil. In Canada, doctors can now prescribe nature access in the form of free passes to National Parks. This is for the benefit of people with heart disease, diabetes, mental illness, or other conditions. Being surrounded by nature is so important for our physical and mental well-being.

This is especially evident in the spring when nature awakens and the joyous feeling of the upcoming warm season is energizing us. The feeling of renewal and exuberance in nature is contagious and brings a smile to our faces.

The colors of spring were evident in the fabrics I chose to combine in this nature collage. I use my gel plate to print with real plant material. I have a lot of prints to choose from and somehow this bright palette emerged. I then stitched the different sections with different patterns, relating to the fabrics.

The connections I have been enjoying in this group will continue. Though I have decided to leave the group I will stay in touch and follow the amazing work that everyone in the group does. I have been a member since the formation of Cloth in Common, and it has been an amazing time. I learned so much over these last 6 years: responding creatively to a prompt, being disciplined and on time for the publishing deadlines, writing about my thought processes and the resulting pieces, and so much more. Thank you for being a huge part of my creative journey, it has been a great opportunity! Now I will concentrate on my own themes, and continue my explorations with textiles and paint.

Title: After a Long Winter
Regina Marzlin
Dimensions: h 40″ x w 20″
Material: cotton, organza, dyes, acrylic paint
Technique: mono printing, piecing, machine stitching