Diane Deery creates her hand-dyed silk fiber art in nature. You’ll find her traveling the world to find unique rock formations that she uses to create texture with dyes on silk.
Describe your creative space.
When asked about my creative space, I have an interesting answer. I’ve found a unique balance in spending the majority of my time creating art outdoors. Being immersed in nature while working is something I’ve realized I truly need. While studio spaces inside beautiful buildings or homes are wonderful, I’m fortunate to create most of my work outdoors, surrounded by nature.
What I love most is that no matter where I travel, I can bring the materials I need to connect with a time and place that will always leave a lasting impression on me. My work is deeply connected to the elements in nature.
The process begins by finding a body of water with rock formations exposed above it. I need water, land, sunlight, and air. The two materials I use to create my pieces are white silk and powdered dye, allowing me to travel lightly. Through extensive experimentation, I’ve learned that silk is perfect for this process, and I appreciate that it is 100% natural.
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Creating my art is very much about the process, including hiking to some of the most beautiful, quiet, and secluded areas I’ve ever visited. Once I find the right spot, I explore the area, thinking about where the silk will lie to create a piece that’s shaped by the uniqueness of the rock formations. The way a rock slopes, its cracks, and its texture all become part of the artwork as the wet silk gently drapes over its surface.
I wait for all the elements to come together. The air, the temperature of the rock, and the timing of applying the powdered dye to the silk must all be right. Sometimes the pieces are successful, while other times, they provide lessons for future work. A lot of the time is spent waiting—waiting for the special moments or for the silk to dry. During these pauses, I reflect on the process and the space around me, taking notes and making sketches, recording the date, time, location, and colors used—details I might want to remember later.
I also photograph the process, which helps inform later iterations. But what I love most is that I can never recreate a piece exactly. When I blow the powdered dye onto the silk, though I try to guide it, the wind and the moisture in the silk, along with the contours of the rock, determine the final outcome. It feels like waiting for a gift to appear in front of me. When the silk is dry enough to remove, I unfold it and discover parts of the design that were hidden. I hang the silk on a branch to let it gently blow in the wind, completing the drying process. These moments bring the energy of the piece to life. Sometimes, I use a color palette inspired by the location, while other times, I stick to blue, reminiscent of water.
I’m incredibly mindful of leaving no trace behind when I finish. While I can’t say a microscopic amount of powdered dye doesn’t return to the air or water, I use less than half a teaspoon per piece, doing my best to minimize any impact on the environment.
How does your process inspire you?
My process mirrors nature’s gentleness, embodying the tranquility and impermanence of our surroundings. Minimal shapes and materials create a balanced complexity, evoking a calming effect.
What do you hope others see in your work?
My work embodies the essence of metamorphosis, capturing the transient beauty of nature and presenting it in a form that invites reflection and discovery. I believe my work will offer viewers a profound and unique perspective on transformation and the natural world.
Where can people see your work?
Please visit my website at dianedeery.com and on Instagram at @diane.deery
Interview posted October 2024
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