A blank piece of fabric holds immeasurable possibilities for Louise Barker, a seasoned Montana fiber artist.
The Sumac Collection is an example of intricate craftsmanship. It begins with pristine white fabric, which is first transformed through a metal-dyeing process. This initial stage, where fabric is placed in contact with metal, can take several days as the metal leaves its subtle yet striking impression on the fabric’s surface. Once the dyeing process is complete, the fabric is cleaned, creating a canvas ready for the next step.
The fabric then undergoes eco-printing, a technique that uses real leaves and other organic materials. These natural elements are carefully arranged on the fabric, and the dye is applied to enhance the impression. The fabric is then tightly rolled and steamed for hours, allowing the organic material to leave a lasting imprint on the fibers. Once unwrapped, what remains is a breathtaking representation of nature, with the leaves’ textures and shapes vividly trans-ferred onto the fabric.
This sophisticated, one-of-a-kind print forms the foundation of the Sumac Collection. Through this meticulous process, Louise has created a design that captures the raw beauty of nature, allowing others to bring a touch or organic elegance into their homes.
Louise Barker has been a resident of the Flathead Valley for many years and never tires of the surrounding beauty and the artistic community that is there. She has always been drawn to the creative process, finding beauty in the non-conventional, the imperfect. Her nation-wide customer base enjoys her one-of-a-kind fiber and jewelry accessories that have a unique or-ganic look that is also modern and sophisticated.
She loves spending time with her family, grandchildren and going for long walks. A joyful day for her is immersing herself in her studio to explore and play!
Louise is excited to bring to you the Sumac Collection of Home Goods!
Bringing her lifelong passion for organic materials and natural artistry, Louise Barker meticulously designs each piece to capture the beauty and texture of the natural world. Her work is an homage to her surroundings in Montana, using eco-printing and metal-dyeing techniques that imprint the essence of nature onto fabric. Each creation is a unique, heartfelt expression crafted to bring organic elegance and warmth into your space.