Seven years ago, Stella Renae Von Schmid left her home in Pennsylvania and embarked on a creative adventure that led her to the enchanting city of Savannah. Known for its vibrant arts scene, Savannah became the backdrop for Von Schmid’s artistic transformation as she delved further into the world of textile art and discovered the beauty of natural dyeing.
Before her move, Von Schmid had been immersed in the world of vintage fashion, selling retro clothing. She was especially captivated by the elegant styles of 1950s. However, a chance encounter with the process of dyeing textiles and using organic materials truly ignited her passion and set her on a new artistic path. Believing she had stumbled upon uncharted territory, Von Schmid’s excitement and curiosity grew as she experimented with different plants and discovered the astonishing array of colors they could produce on fabric.
“For a moment, I thought I had discovered a new way and technique in textile printing,” recalled Von Schmid. “This was before the days of the internet. What a humbling experience when I found so many others of like mind. It was an intense process of learning on my own. A lot of trial and errors. Finding others allowed me to learn new techniques and developed what I had already created.”
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Drawing upon the South’s rich and complicated history
Her move to the South had a profound impact on Stella’s creative process. Here, she was immersed in a region with a rich culture and challenging history with natural dyes, from the practices of Indigenous peoples to the indigo plantations supported by enslaved labor. She has had the opportunity to draw inspiration from her surroundings. One plant that has particularly captured her attention is eucalyptus, with its delicate leaves and aromatic essence.
“I have learned so much about this area and the culture. I really love exploring and learning what the land has to offer. I have visited Ossabaw Island among many other spots in the area that contain certain plant species. Do you know there are so many types of indigo and some are even used medicinally?” Von Schmid said. “There are some textiles that I have used over 20 different types of botanicals, trees, flowers to create a single panel. Its an intensive and time-consuming art, and the amount of time it takes to create a certain shade of gray or pink makes you appreciate each garment you wear.”
When it comes to her choice of fabrics, Stella’s favorite mediums are cotton and silk. The interplay between silk and natural dyes creates ethereal watercolor-like paintings on the fabric, evoking a sense of grace and tranquility. Stella’s mastery lies in her ability to blend the organic and the artistic, infusing her pieces with a unique and timeless beauty.
“There is a fluidity that silk creates. Silk organza, and even linen, are just beautiful textiles and some of my favorites to work with. There is alchemy happening when silk comes in contact with natural pigments. It is a beautiful sight to see.”
As Von Schmid continues her artistic journey, she remains passionate about expanding her skills and pushing the boundaries of her craft. With each new creation, she invites viewers to embrace the wonders of natural dyeing and the transformative power of art.
For those interested in experiencing Von Schmid’s art firsthand or learning from her expertise, her workshops and exhibits can be found at various locations throughout Savannah (Element Tree Essentials, Sulfur Studios and Telfair). With every stroke of color and every piece she creates, Von Schmid brings a touch of nature’s beauty to the world of textile art. You can also find her work through Instagram or Facebook.
