MOTHERLAND
Motherland is a physical and metaphorical journey through the tropics of our world and the longing for a home you've never visited. It represents a desire for belonging and the need to feel something beyond the mundane and ordinary—a constant search for excitement, interest, and difference, in order to connect with a deeper sense of self.
I grew up brown in a white world, in a place where I didn’t belong, and which made it clear I didn’t fit in. I constantly longed for deeper connections and excitement beyond the pain I knew as a child. Surrounded by the common scenes of small-town British life, with a face given to me by my ancestors from the Caribbean, I questioned where my home was. At 19 years of age, with much warning of the events but little preparation for the devastation, my mother died.
Motherless, directionless, and penniless, I was filled with an unwavering knowledge that the trajectory of my life had changed forever. An irrevocable sadness lay inside, sometimes quiet in the shadows and other times loud, angry, demanding to be heard and felt. I felt it all, exploring every crevice and nook of that pain. I needed something more than ever; I needed to find my connection, to discover where I belonged. I held an innate belief that I was not from these lands. Though I saw their moody beauty and muted landscapes, they weren't mine. I was colour and heat, the kind that burns your skin, and I longed earnestly for the brightest horizons. When my grandparents moved from the Caribbean to the 'Motherland' of England in the 1940s, they could never have imagined the harsh and cold welcome they would receive. Now, 70 years later, I stood wondering if my Motherland was more akin to the home they had left and if new lands could fill the void left by my mother's death.
Something must have connected, thinking back 12 years later, there must be some meaning. So, I did what I had to do, as the world does not end, even when it feels like your life has. I got a job, lived in a room at my best friend's parents' house, and hoped for change. As I continued with the monotony of life, a feeling of longing grew, and an old friend told me about a six-month trip to Southeast Asia she was planning. Overwhelmed by the need to escape my current environment, I invited myself on the trip.
At first, it broke me. I found myself crying in sweltering, cockroach-infested hostel rooms in Bangkok, cursing myself for ever coming. I quickly learned that running away requires more than just moving; it requires facing every aspect of your heart—the pain, the joy, the anger, and everything in between. It meant fully being present, allowing yourself to see where you are, feel the burning sun, taste the foreign smells, and embrace a new way of life. It meant letting yourself get lost to discover who you are when you meet yourself again.
This journey set in motion a ten-year period of living abroad and travelling the world—ten years of searching, longing, and finding connection in unexpected places and people. This journey has spanned countries, taken me to rainforests and deserts, emotional wreckage and near-spiritual enlightenment, and left me with the ease of existing in another world, finding peace and joy in the unknown. As I connected with different worlds, I discovered that I did belong. I belonged with people who looked like me, but also far from me; I belonged in the colour and the chaos. Through it all, I learned that my Motherland is real and is grounded deep within me. It’s the tropical shores of my Caribbean heritage, an unwavering desire for exploration, the calmness and safety of England, and the love and empowerment of my people.
Motherland is a collection that reflects upon ten years of travel, searching, running, and belonging. It is a story told through places that have impacted my life and the emotions I've experienced in these locations. Delving into the connection to my ancestors, a homeland I wasn’t born into, a world of adventures, and the love of my mother. I have created scarves and artworks that bring forth the natural world through colours from the earth. Journey through this exhibition to discover The Motherland.
THE COLLECTION
Explore the full collection below. Scroll through to discover the story behind each piece.
WILD CHROMA
This exhibition presents a kaleidoscope of colour, drawn from various parts of our natural world. To free ourselves from the constraints of fast fashion and the injustices of contemporary production, we must establish alternative ways of creating. These alternatives must be both beautiful and exciting.
Natural dyeing has been practised by indigenous peoples for thousands of years, and we owe them for preserving this beautiful art form. Although it has been largely forgotten in the West, natural dyes possess great power. Motherland was created using only natural dyes, foraged from the outdoors, collected from food waste, or sourced from ethically made pigments.
Explore this vibrant collection and marvel at the possibilities of colour and pattern that Mother Nature offers at our fingertips.
To find out more about the Wild Chroma project of natural dyes click below.
PART 1
QUIET DAWN
WILSTHIRE
Habotai silk dye and printed with onion skins, madder, eucalyptus leaves & hibiscus
In my wildest dreams, I never could have imagined starting an exhibition dedicated to exotic travels in magical lands from Wiltshire. But alas, that’s where my journey began, and so, that's where we start. Born in Leytonstone, East London, we moved to Swindon when I was around six years old. Suddenly, the vibrant colours of different cultures and the diversity of people who looked like me were replaced with the rather placid, mundane atmosphere of Swindon, in South West England. On my first day of primary school, a girl confidently announced that I was to be ignored because I was black. Thus began a story I would live for a long time—excluded and teased, bullied and brutalised for being a bird of paradise in a field of thistles.
I retreated deep within myself, thinking that if I could just hide enough of who I was, I might become small enough to belong, small enough for them to allow me in. Unsurprisingly to the adult mind, that didn’t work. I became anxious and filled with nervousness, and as my mother became more ill and my father more angry, the physical world around me felt increasingly far from home. I yearned for something beyond the life I was living. I craved excitement, magic, joy, and fulfilment, but most of all, I craved escape.
"Wiltshire" shows the muted tones of isolation and pain, with the bubbling of desire hidden beneath the surface. The moody colourways represent my beginnings in a grey town, surrounded by rolling hills that I found void of reflection of my inner being. Patterns waiting to burst through represent my longing to be myself and to find my Motherland—to discover the tropical islands I dream of, which at that time felt ever so far away.
IN FULL
BLOOM
Hand drawn screen print dyed with a mix of logwood & cochineal with iron mordant
In Full Bloom depicts the deep-rooted connection I have always had with my sister and my mother. Death did not make my mother an angel; rather, I always knew she was a beautiful entity and a force to be reckoned with. It was never death that deepened my appreciation; my adoration of my mother began at birth and will unequivocally continue for the rest of my life. Reflecting storytelling imagery found in Caribbean quilted artworks, In Full Bloom honours my mother after death by creating a coat of arms, showing how she would want- standing with my sister and myself.
Inspired by the simplicity of folk art and communication through drawings, I sought to express three intertwined entities, all originating from the same place, yet blooming in different directions. The imagery on the borders incorporates simple and bold shapes to frame and protect this connection, while delicate floral motifs are cast around the unity to add decoration and show respect.
ST. VINCENT
Habotai silk dye and printed with cochineal, madder, hibiscus & marigolds
Reflecting on what ‘Motherland’ means, ‘St. Vincent’ represents the second part of this journey. My Caribbean heritage was a constant presence in my childhood, and I felt a deep-rooted connection to a place I had never visited. With the soft West Indian accents of my grandparents, the tropical tastes of ital food, and the promise of an island filled with blazing sun and fierce rainstorms, I always longed to be in St. Vincent, the home of my grandmother.
‘St. Vincent’ features a light pink base, soft and gentle, reminiscent of childhood. Breaking through this base is a burst of colour, scattered like an explosion but not quite overwhelming the piece. ‘St. Vincent’ represents the feeling of Motherland without fully experiencing the place itself.
BLOOD ON
THE LEAVES
Screen print dyed onion skins with iron mordant
As a family, we left London to escape violently racist neighbours. As a child, I was taunted about my ethnicity for years, and as a teenager, I heard endless racist ‘jokes’ and jibes. Racism was not something I learned about; it was something I experienced far too young and far too often.
My mother, an English white woman, taught me the revolutionary history of my ancestors. She spoke of the power of my skin, the importance of embracing my curly hair, and how never to diminish myself or alter my appearance to appease a white audience. My mother showed me videos of Angela Davis, played music from the Caribbean, and took me to protests to free Nelson Mandela. Through experience and the passionate, unshakable belief my mother had in justice, I learned about the power of blackness.
‘Blood on the Leaves’ honours this power while expressing the accompanying pain. A nod to Nina Simone’s song (‘Strange Fruit’), ‘Blood on the Leaves’ depicts how my pain is intricately intertwined with a heritage of which I am immensely proud. The piece features tropical leaves raining down, surrounded by a border inspired by African textiles.
PART 2
IN THE TROPICS
PAI
Habotai silk dyed with madder, onion skins, hibiscus, logwood, marigolds & eucalyptus leaves.
Thrown willingly into a new world, I felt overwhelmed. I fled England and tried to escape the pain of losing my mother. While it didn’t work quite as I had hoped, I did discover something new. I encountered new people, new cities, new smells, and a new way of being. As I sat on wooden decking watching the sunset in the tiny Thai village of Pai, I began to feel change. It was profound, reflecting the colours of the Thai sunset, scattered with both hope and pain. Yet, it was change, and that was what I needed more than ever.
‘Pai’ reflects the first part of my travels. The print, created with yellows and pinks, represents excitement and hope, while deep, dark purples convey the pain I felt during this period of my life. As the colours shift toward the lighter end of the silk, the darkness fades and more defined shapes made from marigold petals emerge, symbolising movement and change.
TAO
Screen print dyed cochineal, cutch, hibiscus
‘Tao’, named after the tropical Thai island, represents youth, lightness, and fun. The background features bright yellow transitioning into vivid pink, and although it is scattered with darker colours, they are far more fractured than in previous works. The beautiful horizons of tropical Thai islands brought me a sense of belonging. With landscapes similar to those of my ancestors, I felt at home on the island. Amidst the slow pace of life and distance from home, this was the first time I truly felt free and at ease. ‘Tao’ embodies the hope for lightness, the essence of the tropics, and the joy of travelling.
FREE
Textile art on cotton dyed with logwood
‘Free’ explores a deeper awareness of our world through the beauty of nature discovered during my travels. This piece, screen-printed with iron mordant, showcases a profound connection with the natural world, as revealed through my journeys across diverse landscapes.
The artwork reflects different aspects of the environments I've encountered, stitched together to form a tapestry of experiences and revelations. The interplay of shapes and pattern captures the essence of our planet’s beauty, as seen through the lens of travel and exploration.
SEMINYAK
Dyed with cochineal and printed with marigold & hibiscus.
‘Seminyak’ marks the beginning of my spiritual journey through meditation. This silk scarf captures the essence of my growing connection with Indonesia, a place deeply significant to me.
The main colour is a vibrant pink, reflecting the brightness and energy of Indonesia. The print, however, is muted in its overall palette, symbolising my initial steps into the spiritual realm and acknowledging that I have yet to fully immerse myself in this side of my journey. The use of cochineal dye adds a rich, natural depth to the scarf, enhancing its connection to the vibrant spirit of Seminyak.
UBUD
Dyed with red onion skins and printed with, cochineal, marigolds, eucalyptus leaves, hibiscus, rose petals, rose leaves & hisbicus
As I sat through my third hour of meditation, my body numb and sensations long gone, vivid colours began to swirl in my mind, accompanied by a sense of inner peace so foreign to my usually anxious and fragile state. I travelled to Ubud to explore meditation—a passion that began in my early twenties and has, in many ways, rescued me from depression, anxiety, and my own racing thoughts.
In Ubud, small Hindu offerings are placed around the streets, adorned with colourful petals. I cherished these conscious gifts to something greater, which, for me, was not a deity but rather a profound connection to the world around me. ‘Ubud’ is a celebration and explosion of experiences—meditation, psychedelics and empowerment. Indonesia was my first solo travel destination, a time when I became more authentically myself. Immersed in a tropical and exotic environment, I felt more connected to nature and the world than ever before, and further from England than I had ever been. In that space, I felt truly alive.
JAISALMER
Habotai silk dyed and printed with onion skins, cutch, rose leaves & eucalyptus leaves
I never expected to find peace in the desert, but something about the arid, vast land, with its overwhelming sense of expanse, both intimidated and inspired me in countless ways. India was the most radically different place I had ever visited, brimming with colour, textures, and sensations that welcomed me into a world I had never known. It shattered mental barriers and offered endless inspiration through its vibrant culture, dazzling patterns, and the warmth of its land and people.
Deep in the desert, on a hike where I could see the Milky Way and hear only the distant sounds of wild dogs, I felt incredibly fortunate to be alive, breathing this air, and living this life. Not so long ago, a woman who looked like me would never have had the freedom I have enjoyed. My mother’s death initially made me fearful of life. Yet now, in the desert, I feel immense gratitude and a resolve to embrace life fully. I remember when my mother was in the hospice, and her friend asked if she was afraid to die. She simply replied, “No, I’m not afraid to die, but I love life so much—I love my children, I love nature, and I love living.” My mother’s passion for life continues to inspire me, and I am determined to keep that spirit alive.
‘Jaisalmer’ captures bright yellows that remind me of my mother, alongside deeper oranges that reflect the emptiness and inherent beauty of the desert.
MOTHER
Onion skins, iron and madder on organic cotton
It is hard to fully express the impact my mother had on me, but what I can say is that she was the most fearless, passionate, kind, and determined woman I have ever known. She knew no barriers and rejected every tradition meant to suppress. She lived brightly, believing in joy, fun, and community. As I continue to feel her love, I strive to create a life filled with these joyful elements.
My mother’s passing caused profound wreckage and pain, but the luck and honour I feel for having had 19 years with her as my mother are unwavering. She is my first mother, my first Motherland, yet she taught me to explore and discover more Motherlands.
This piece features hand-painted screen prints of delicate florals, designed to convey joy and beauty. It showcases hues of our world and the simplicity of Mother Nature herself.
PART 3
HOMECOMING
LA ROMA
DYED AND PRINTED WITH LOG WOOD, ROSE LEAVES AND PETALS, EUCALYPTUS LEAVS AND HIBISCUS
‘La Roma’ represents a significant chapter in my journey—a move to Mexico City where I felt a profound sense of confidence and growth. By this time, I had matured, but relocating to Mexico introduced me to a new experience and a new Motherland.
In Mexico City, I deeply connected with the culture and immersed myself in it. I delved into traditional natural dyeing techniques and found a sense of ease I had never felt before. The vibrant yet grounded hues in this piece reflect my emotional landscape during this period. The dominant strong purple signifies stability and stillness, contrasting with the more subdued colour palette of previous works.
‘La Roma’ embodies the romance and empowerment of ageing, capturing the feeling of finally living in a place where I truly belonged. It is a celebration of personal growth, cultural immersion, and the joy of discovering a new home.
UNBOUND
ARTWORK DYE WITH COCHINEAL AND LOGWOOD
‘Unbound’ is a declaration of self-love and liberation. This artwork represents my journey of unshackling myself from the chains of my youth and the pain of childhood. It is a celebration of who I am, a promise to bestow upon myself love, beauty, and joy.
The piece is a screen-printed cotton creation, featuring imagery inspired by Mexican folk art that resonates with my identity. In the centre, love shines brightly, surrounded by a tapestry of florals, stars, and intricate patterns. Each element reflects the vibrancy and complexity of my journey, embodying the freedom and self-affirmation I’ve embraced. ‘Unbound’ is a testament to the beauty of reclaiming oneself and celebrating personal growth.
OAXACA
DYED WITH LOGWOOD, COCHINEAL, MARIGOLDS, HIBISCUS
Sitting in the back of a taxi, driving back into town, I hear the vibrant strains of mariachi music playing through the streets of Oaxaca. As I glance down at my pink-stained hands, I realise I’ve discovered a new passion. The heat of the day, spent grinding cochineal into a fine powder to create vivid pinks, still lingers on my skin. This was the moment I had been searching for. After years of working with textiles, disillusioned by the harsh realities of fashion and chemical dyeing, I found myself in a beautiful place, learning about the rich traditions of indigenous Mexican communities and their methods for producing vibrant colours from the earth.
This experience ignited a deep connection within me to the natural world. Through dyeing and art-making, I’ve felt rejuvenated by nature, finding meaning and a sense of belonging in a chaotic and ever-changing world. Oaxaca, with its profound impact on my life, remains a cherished place I will continue to revisit.
‘Oaxaca’ showcases the brilliance of Mexican culture and the innate connection I felt to this world. The piece is bold, vivid, and full of intricate patterns, reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of my experiences. It celebrates the chaos of vibrant life and pays homage to my own artwork, which has always been bright and exciting. Even as I use nature as my palette, my work remains as lively and stimulating as my own life—no matter where I go, the excitement of my Motherland is always within me.
LIVERPOOL
DYED WITH LOGWOOD, coreopsis, EUCALYPTUS LEAVES, HIBISCUS, ROSE PETALS
I moved to Liverpool for love, and in doing so, I discovered safety, peace, roots, and even more love. ‘Liverpool’ represents a newfound sense of groundedness and calmness in my life. The piece combines colours that reflect the serene flora and fauna of the UK with splashes of hues from my own heritage and travels.
‘Liverpool’ embodies softness and joy, featuring swirling patterns and bright yellow flowers sourced from the garden of my partner’s parents. This artwork illustrates a beautiful new chapter, where I feel deeply connected to this new land. It captures a sense of being rooted in who I am and where I have been, celebrating the beauty of a life that is both new and familiar.
GOLDEN
DAWN
SCREEN PRINT DYED WITH PINE LEAVES, LOGWOOD AND IRON
‘Golden Dawn’ is a hopeful and loving vision of the future, reflecting my blossoming heart and the new roots I am establishing to create my own Motherland.
As I look back on creating all these textiles, I am enamoured with the power of our natural world and eager to explore it further.
My life is now calmer and less chaotic, yet enriched by the experiences of my past and the gifts the world has bestowed upon me. Motherland lives within me—interwoven with the connection to my ancestors, the allure of the tropics, and the shimmering presence of love in my life.