At the heart of the global Fibershed movement is a commitment to creating a textile and clothing culture that enhances soil health and biodiversity through regenerative farming practices grounded in the concept of soil-to-soil systems and the right to livelihood for every person involved in the process from farming to finished garment.
In this short seminar we will hear about the growth, successes and challenges faced by members of these collectives and consider how we can continue to grow more sustainable fibre networks in Northern Ireland/
Speakers include Malú Colorín chairperson of Fibreshed Ireland with digital presentation from Shannon Welsh of Fibrevolution who work with the Pacific Northwest Fibershed, USA.
Speaker Information
Fibershed Ireland – Chairperson, Malú Colorín
Malú Colorín is a Mexican natural dyer and designer living in West Wicklow, Ireland. She inherited her name and a calling for textile art from her mother and grandmother. With a background in graphic design and fine arts, in 2018 she began her experimentations and research into natural dyes. She has studied with master dyers in Mexico, Ireland, the US and Japan.
Her work draws inspiration from the traditional garments of her native Mexico, while embracing the rich heritage of Irish textiles. By working slowly and mindfully, she aims to build an intimate connection with each of her dye sources, as well as the land where they grow. Malú is a founding member of Fibershed Ireland and CEO of her company Talú a natural dye house and educational hub rooted in regenerative practices.
Fibershed Ireland member, Kathy Kirwan
Kathy Kirwan was born in the bog, in the middle of Ireland. Her deep connection with nature has influenced her winding life path from the highs and lows of land and ocean topography. From teaching on the wild coast of West Cork to sailing around the world, her deeply connected nature-based experiences have come to rest in the world of Eco Artistry. As a student of Art Textiles, and Creativity and Change, PGD Creativity, Innovation and Leadership, Eco-literacy and Earth Charter courses and an MA in Reflective Practice, her eco-art practice embodies an interconnection with the community of nature. In growing connections and networks, her work is rooted in the newly formed Flax Lín Community, based in Myross Wood, CECAS. The community focuses on an intergenerational meitheal of flax enthusiasts, engaged in growing flax, gathering social history, natural dyeing, eco printing and eating cake! Her most recent workshop –as part of the Fibre of our Being events at Kilcoe Studios, West Cork– brought a group of flax enthusiasts together to immerse in a head, hand and heart embodied experience discussing past and future West Cork Flax, felting flax, and singing Working songs.
Fibrevolution Co-founder & CEO – Shannon Welsh
For over 20 years Shannon Welsh has promoted fiber, textile and apparel design through raw fiber development, regenerative agricultural production, textile systems revitalization and innovation, community organizing, outreach, and education. Shannon has spent over 6 years researching and reviving the historic linen industry of Oregon, and is the Co-founder of Fibrevolution Bast Fiber Producers. She is also the Executive Director of the North American Linen Association (NALA), as well as the Founder and former Affiliate Director of Pacific Northwest Fibershed , a Fibershed Affiliate organization which promotes the development of regional regenerative fiber systems that build soil and protect the health of our biosphere. Shannon has a BFA in Apparel Design from The Art Institute of Portland, a BA in History and Mathematics from Lewis and Clark College, and a Teaching Certification from the Association Montessori Internationale.
Disussion Host. Gawain Morrison of Brink!
Gawain Morrison has over 25 years of experience as a creative lead, producer and strategist, across film, music, art, fashion and technology sectors. For 10 years as CEO of the experiential & data-driven technology company Sensum he lead on concept and delivery for multi-platform media production, events organising, app and platform development, algorithmic development, product prototyping and immersive entertainment. His focus is on how to empower circular and sustainable change through cultural interactions.
He is one of the artists and innovators who established, Brink! In 2023 – a platform for discussion, education, and action around issues of climate change. Brink!’s intention is to help empower people to find each other and change how we live in this city through creative thinking and action (play).
