Waheeda Kothdiwal (Growing Colour Together)
Waheeda is an Artist with a background in surface pattern and landscape design. She is currently working as a project worker at S2R and facilitates well-being workshops and walks in nature. Waheeda’s work connects people to nature through art.
Growing Colour Together is a project by WOVEN in Kirklees that we’re delighted to be supporting through artist mentorship and promotion.
This WOVEN in Kirklees 2023 project aims to create a district-wide, natural dye, colour garden. Everyone from Kirklees is invited to get involved, helping to create dye gardens anywhere and everywhere, working with six local and international artists commissioned to create events, installations and more for 2023.
Working in partnership across the district, WOVEN is giving everyone the opportunity to ‘have a grow’, use what’s grown to make natural dyes and learn about the environmental implications of chemical dyes and what we buy. A natural dye garden gives eco-friendly, natural dye pigments and stains for textiles, knitting yarns, and even artist paints and prints. We spoke to the artists involved…
What’s your involvement in the Growing Colour Together project?
I am one of the 7 GCT artist chosen for the project. I am working on the Dewsbury Team as one of the Local artists alongside Jane and a non-local artist Natalie. Together with the community we are creating a dye garden and scarves which will be a part of the Woven festival.
Why do you create?
I create to see and connect with nature and my surroundings. To see the beauty in the simple things and invite others to share in the experience.
Do you consider yourself to be part of an artist network/community, and if so, how does this impact your practice?
I have just become a part of the Woven community and it has given me confidence in my work and I feel supported.
What changes would you like to see in the arts sector?
I want art to be seen as an important part of health and wellbeing.
Waheeda’s links: