While she studied fine art at university, her journey toward eco-printing began with textiles. She first learned to spin wool, and then became interested in colouring it with natural rather than commercial dyes. That curiosity led her to growing dye plants in her own garden before eventually discovering eco printing four years ago through a workshop. The science fascinates her just as much as the artistic side. “There are a lot of variables,” she says. “I try to take good notes so that when I get a result, I know what I did and can potentially repeat it.” Working outdoors has become an essential part of that process. Martha’s backyard studio is filled with dye pots, steaming equipment and the tools needed to safely create her work. During the Studio Tour, Martha hopes to offer demonstrations so visitors can see exactly how leaves are bundled and transformed into finished pieces. She also enjoys teaching workshops, often encouraging people who don’t consider themselves artistic to give eco printing a try. “They’ll say, ‘I’m not artistic,’ but anybody can do it,” she says. “You collect the leaves, decide where to place them, and at the end you have a beautiful product.” Every finished scarf is completely unique. No two leaves react exactly the same way, and no two bundles produce identical patterns. For Martha, that’s part of their appeal. She believes handmade artwork carries something that mass-produced products simply cannot – the time, knowledge and care invested by the artist. Each scarf represents years of learning, experimentation and a genuine connection to the natural world. Martha also finds herself exploring the deeper relationship people have always shared with trees and plants, believing there is something meaningful about wearing artwork created directly from nature itself. Encouraged to participate by her son, fellow artist, Grayden Laing, this year’s Elgin County Studio Tour will be Martha’s first. She hopes visitors leave not only with a greater appreciation for eco-printing, but also with a new understanding of the remarkable beauty found in the leaves over our heads and beneath our feet. For anyone looking for an inspiring autumn weekend, the Elgin County Studio Tour offers the perfect opportunity to discover exceptional local artists, explore creative spaces rarely open to the public and experience firsthand the passion behind every piece of art. For Martha, it’s a chance to invite visitors into her world, where art, science and nature come together to create something truly unforgettable.
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026 Page 9
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