Bonus Featured Maker: Seonaid Burnie
March: MEET THE MAKER
Hello makers,
So I know I said the last Meet The Maker interview was the last one for the month, but I have a bonus interview for you! It is my friend and collaborator Seonaid Burnie from The Clothworks. Seonaid uses botanical printing and dying to create “natural, slowly made, seasonal fabrics using nature’s palette”. Her fabrics are absolutely beautiful and she creates the most ethereal art, homewares, clothing and accessories with them.
I was lucky enough to collaborate with The Clothworks on a quilt coat made from sustainably sourced cotton and linen that Seonaid transformed through an extraordinary journey of natural dyeing. I felt a little bad cutting up so much beautiful fabric but the result was a very unique, patchwork coat that was completely outside my norm but was inspiring to create. In fact, it got me out of a sewing funk I’d been in!
But enough about me…
Here is Seonaid’s story.
What is your business name and is there a story there?
The Clothworks - It's a nod the traditional sense of 'works' (i.e leatherworks, woolworks) as I attempt to revive time-honoured techniques and craftmanship to combat what has become one of our planet's most polluting industry's.
How long have you been working as a maker/artist/entrepreneur?
The Clothworks has been going in some capacity since about 2020 but I had been dipping my toe into natural dyes a couple years before that.
Did you switch careers from something more traditional to become a maker/artist? Can you give us a little about the path you have taken?
Working in hospitality since my teens took me into the whisky industry, where I worked in the events area for an importer and distributor here in Christchurch. I studied textile design at University back in Scotland and desperately missed my creative endeavours, so dropped my full-time events job to figure out how I could follow that path. My dissertation was about sustainability in the textile sector and I really wanted to reconnect with that, as it was also something I felt passionately about in my personal life. Living next to the red zone in the Eastern suburbs of Otautahi Christchurch, started me on my journey into botanical colour. Firstly through eco-printing, then foraging for dyestuffs and now I am at the point where I am starting a second business where I am growing and distributing dye plants - look out for 'backyard botanicals' coming soon!
What does a typical work day look like for you?
I don't really have a typical day, as it very much depends on the season: what needs done in the dye garden, what orders I have, if I've got markets coming up, what the weather is doing etc.. One thing is generally a constant though, and that's a coffee (!) and a quick check through my diary and emails before cracking into studio/garden work - it's good to start the day off with a rough plan and get the non-creative stuff out the way!
What pivotal moments or decisions shaped your path as a maker or artist?
I don't really think there has been any 'aha' moments as such, it's been a slow process for me figuring out what I enjoy doing, that can also be a feasible business model. I think if I had to say anything, a turning point would be learning just to not look at what everyone else is doing - I mean, be inspired for sure - but stick to what you love and what you want to make.
Do you find time to experiment with your creativity now that it's also your job?
The fundamentals of my job (the dyeing and printing) are at their heart a very creative process and I do like to let the juices flow to a certain extent. But I usually try to carve out a few days here and there for pure experimentation - I think Albert Einstein said "if you keep doing the same thing, you'll keep getting the same results" - sometimes you have to push yourself outside your comfort zone a bit.
I'm often curious when I see makers share all the different ways they make their art or business work financially. Can you share if you have various income streams?
Yes, I think it's important to not rely too heavily on just one source. I have wonderfully supportive wholesale clients, retail sales via my website and markets, and then also workshops.
What are your favourite parts about what you do in your creative job?
I love unbundling fabric from the steamer and seeing what botanical magic has unfolded onto the fabric. I especially relish this when I see it on people's faces at my workshops - so many don't realise that there's so much colour packed into those tiny little petals!
What are the most common challenges you face being a maker or artist?
I guess it's the same for most creatives - creating a steady income stream whilst investing in your creative practice. It's a balancing act and small business is, and has been, very tough lately. Remember to shop small and local when you can!
How do you combat the loneliness that often comes with working as a solopreneur?
Find your community, connect with other small biz with the same values - it can be comforting to know that a lot of us face the same challenges. As you know, I also love a collaboration! I think it's important to back and showcase your fellow creatives.
How do you approach future planning in your creative work or business?
My work does naturally flow with the seasons, so it makes sense for me to break the year into quarters and go from there. I like to challenge myself to create new work within each one - I think it's important to keep things fresh and exciting for yourself whilst also maintaining daily tasks. In saying that, I also really enjoy being adaptable to opportunities that might come up. That's the great thing about owning your own small biz - flexibility!
What are your most important values in making the work you do?
The heart of The Clothworks has always and will always be about circularity and the magical process within that: from seed, to soil, nurturing a garden, tending the plants, harvesting, the creativity of putting botanical colour to cloth, the creation of something new and the knowledge that it can be returned to the soil at the end of its life to start the process all over again.
Do you find it hard to switch off from from your work? Do you think it's different to when you work for someone else?
Yes, I do struggle with boundaries, especially working from home. A lot of the values in my business are ones that I try to practice in my personal life too, so I guess it's natural. I think it's easier to justify crossing those boundaries, especially when there is a mortgage to pay, but I'm getting better at readjusting myself to compensate - for example big market = big hours, so I'll take it a bit easier the week after. I guess when you pull overtime working for someone else, at least you get paid - that isn't always the case when you work for yourself!
How do you stay motivated and adaptable as a maker/entrepreneur in a constantly changing online world?
Yeah, that's tricky. I think I'm probably not the only person who feels a bit disenchanted with social platforms currently. I think it's really important to keep focused on the people that support you - build a subscriber list and get straight to the people that care. I've stopped chasing 'likes' and consider my social platforms more of a journal now, it makes it a way easier and more enjoyable process!
What resources or communities have been most valuable in your journey?
Markets and exhibitions are such amazing spaces to connect with your fellow makers and creators - put yourself out there and value face to face relationships.
Do you have a bread and butter product? Something that consistently sells?
Scrunchies and scarves, always a hit!
I can see why those scrunchies are a hit, they are lovely!! Thank you so much for sharing your story Seonaid. You can purchase stunning, plant-dyed goodies, as well as sign up for workshops, on Seonaid’s website: theclothworks.co.nz, and check out more of what she is up to on Instagram @theclothworks.
And now that really is it for the month of March. I’ll be back with a short update soon on what’s happening next.
Until then, happy making,
Esta
Seek to Make is an exploration of creativity and making. Each month, I share a monthly theme around making, showcase inspiring makers, share tips, tools and encouragement. Together let's get curious and immerse ourselves in the art of making!