© Deborah Gray Textiles

Naoko Mabon together with Oban-based textile artist Deborah Gray have been invited by The Rockfield Centre to collaboratively develop and lead the Eco Creative Cluster project.

Eco Creative Cluster is a project focusing on nature-based materials and dyeing techniques. It is a project of The Rockfield Centre led by Oban-based textile artist Deborah Gray and curator Naoko Mabon. Part of CHArts Place Makers: Micro-cluster Networks programme, in partnership with the Innovation School at Glasgow School Arts, funded by Creative Scotland.

The project involves developing a community Dye Garden with Deborah Gray and local volunteers in the grounds of The Rockfield Centre. The produce of the dye garden will be used in workshops and artworks using techniques such as Natural Dyeing, Ecoprinting and Shibori. The dye garden supporters include: Carolyn Theobold; Ira Theobold; Sheila Quillin; Marilyn Drummond; Mandy Peden; John Peden; Hannah Gray; Joe Aries; Leslie Mabon; Caroline Boswell; Linda Dickson; and Mens’ Shed Oban.

In parallel, with Naoko Mabon, the project also aims to weave a wider network of practitioners working across different localities in the world, with a sustainable and ecological approach. This will be archived through hosting a series of virtual conversation events. Invited practitioners include: Deborah Gray; Monica Haddock; Fernanda Mascarenhas; Nanako Suzuki; and Boubacar Doumbia. Lucille Junkere was also invited as an expert to support the project’s development. The supporters of the conversations include: Gil Gosch; Shimizusawa Project; Groupe Bogolan Kasobane; Ndomo; Tiécoura N’Daou; Cheick Hamala Toure; Sahelien.com; Hannah Gray; Francesca Zappia; and Leslie Mabon.

Please click here to watch the recording of each event.