Evolution’s Eco-Printed Range

WORDS Maciek Dubla

Eco-printing is a time-consuming botanical alchemy that makes for gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces.

There’s something about a hand-made object that gives it an aura of authenticity, as if a piece of the maker now lives in the space it occupies. Now imagine taking that one step further and blending hand-made with nature-made.

That’s what you can expect from Evolution’s latest range, Varied Origins. Evolution collaborated with Ira Bekker of UBU Botanicals in developing this evocative assortment. The range was launched at the 2015 SARCDA International Trade Exhibition.

Over the past three years, Evolution has focused on botanical-inspired products, and Ira’s work was a natural fit with its range. Using Evolution’s embroidered linen fabrics, Ira applies the eco-printing technique she has developed over the past year to create prints from actual plants.

“I fell in love with the depth she managed to obtain by using plant materials, metal and heat to draw out the colours from the plants,” says Amanda du Plessis, the founder of Evolution. “The detail obtained is absolutely magical. No two pieces are the same.”

To make a print, Ira harvests a selection of leaves, flowers and sprays, lays them out on a piece of fabric, wraps it up tightly, and steams or boils it in a plant-based dye. The process results in ethereal imprints on the fabric, natures’ fingerprints if you will, that beautifully capture the intricacies of each plant.

The eco-prints are available in 60 cm x 90 cm and 44 cm x 72 cm cushions and 1,5 m x 2,5 m throws, which are for sale at La Grange Interiors and online from Evolution.