Root Textiles with Zena Holloway - QEST
www.qest.org.uk
Zena Holloway started her career as an underwater photographer, working for major publications such as National Geographic, GQ and The Sunday Times. Her work allowed her to see first-hand the damage being done to the oceans by climate change and plastic pollution, this inspired her to explore biodegradable materials that could have real impact on the future of human waste.

In a highly innovative process, wheatgrass root is cultivated in 3D-printed templates that are then carved into beeswax. This guides the root to grow in certain patterns or shapes. In just 12 days, the roots bind into a naturally woven material, this is a great example of ‘bio-design’ and it creates a textile that is low-tech, organic, and biodegradable.

I recall seeing a compostable wedding dress made by her. I wonder if it’s too scratchy to make underwear.

  • GrantUsEyes@lemmy.zipEnglish
    2·
    12 days ago

    I assume this is what you were refering to in our exchange the other day, very interesting!

    • Wren@lemmy.todayOPMEnglish
      2·
      12 days ago

      Yep, I kept thinking about it after. There are a few root artists out there but I think this is the only one making clothing for sale with it.

      • GrantUsEyes@lemmy.zipEnglish
        2·
        11 days ago

        What a woman, a total artiste! Her garments are amazing… I can also imagine Holloway’s textiles used in a collection by Iris van Herpen, a collab like that would be insanely cool.

        • Wren@lemmy.todayOPMEnglish
          2·
          11 days ago

          Now I know about Iris Van Herpen. Holy shit, that’s some serious space fairy phantasmic beauty she’s got going on. That would be an amazing collab.