Turid Tarabay

Bona Soca

Textile printer

©Elizabeth Gronn

Beautiful shades of conscious dyes

Turid specialises in botanical printing using natural dyes, such as indigo
Her first experience with dyeing came through the batik technique
She finds her practice a continuous journey of learning, healing and evolution

Turid Tarabay's passion for working with textiles was passed down from her tailor grandmother, who inspired her to sew, recycle and reinvent her own clothes. Since then, the environment has been very important to her, and her craft allows her to work in a very natural, slow-paced way, without using toxic materials. “I am initially self-taught because all the experienced teachers were too far away – there were none in Spain. However, many of them offered excellent online courses, and I was able to benefit from their knowledge and experience,” she explains. Turid specialises in botanical printing from natural dyes from plants. She always strives for strong results on all types of fabric, from silk to rustic cotton. “I am constantly on the lookout for old, local textiles to incorporate into my work. I gather plants from various places on the island and also collect leftovers from a florist who gives me unused blooms," Turid says.

Interview

©Elizabeth Gronn

©Elizabeth Gronn

What does your process look like?: I work in a very spontaneous way and often dye fabrics without having a final product in mind. I do not plan the patterns or designs in detail, they take shape as I proceed. My main inspiration comes from nature and the plants I use.
Is colour important to you?: I create colours and patterns on textiles using only natural materials and an artisanal approach. My aim is to create unique pieces that bear my personal signature. I want them to express the essence of the plants and evoke positive visual, tactile and emotional responses.
What role does sustainability play in your practice?: I like being able to use everything, so I never throw anything away. I use leftover water with mineral salts, calcium and iron sulphate to water my garden. I transform the papers I use as barriers during rolling into small bags, and I make tapestries with hand embroidery from fabric offcuts.
How do clients receive your work?: A few times, clients have told me that my work feels like poetry, and that the pieces they have acquired awaken very positive emotions in them. This moves me deeply and makes me feel that I have truly achieved what I set out to do.

Turid Tarabay is a rising star: she began her career in 2018 and she started teaching in 2022