Ecoprint is a textile art technique that uses natural pigments from plants to imprint fabric. This method is rooted in natural dyeing practices that have been used in many traditional cultures for centuries.
Plant-based dyeing processes can be found in Japanese (Shibori), Indian (Ajrakh), Malay, and Indonesian cultures (natural dyeing in batik and woven textiles).
Ecoprint is environmentally friendly because it does not use synthetic dyes or any harmful chemicals. All dyes are entirely plant-based, making the outcomes and waste products perfectly safe for the environment.
Caring for ecoprint products
Here's how to care for your ecoprint products:
* Do not dry directly in the sun
Ecoprint products should not be dried directly in the sun, as heat and UV rays can cause natural colors to fade quickly, weaken the fabric fibers, and lose their sharpness. Dry them in a shady area to maintain their quality and beauty for longer.
* Avoid detergents and bleach. Use only natural soap.
Ecoprint products should not be washed with detergent or bleach. Harsh chemicals can damage the natural pigments and fibers of the fabric. Use natural soap or a gentle shampoo to preserve the color and maintain the quality of the fabric.
* Don't use a washing machine. Wash by hand.
Ecoprint products should not be machine-washed, as the spinning and friction can damage the fabric fibers and cause natural colors to fade quickly. Hand wash gently to maintain quality.
* Do not iron at high temperatures. Use low temperatures.
Ecoprint products should not be ironed at high temperatures, as excessive heat can damage the natural colors and weaken the fabric fibers. Use a low temperature with a thin fabric backing to maintain quality.
Every colour and shape is produced directly from the leaves and flowers of selected plants, including Indonesia's native jarak wulung and jarak kepyar, with their distinctive bold veins. Fabrics dyed with Australian eucalyptus still carry the evocative scent of their homeland. The diverse outcomes range from stunning, vibrant imprints echoing their organic source, to abstracted layers and muted shadows, brushed with ethereal whispers of colour.
The artifacts created by Lilya Kusumasari are like no others. From dyeing to design and fabrication, every step of the process is a collaboration between the artisan and the materials to which she responds, honoring their intrinsic qualities with sensitivity, patience, and skill.