The process of transforming nature with ink and colours came from previous knowledge accumulated and passed down through their mothers’ words, as well as from the healing properties of nature and its plants. Like the Alfa alfa (the medicago sativa), known by Isabel because it helps with anaemia and it is very much liked by the rabbits, too. Many discoveries came directly – and literally from their hands-on experience.
“Our method was quite simple and intuitive. If when you touch a plant it stains your hands, it might be likely that it will mark the fabric too – that was our thought process” she told me.
Over long journeys they discovered that the purple corn is not only edible but – as I discovered to my surprise during my virtual chat with Isabel – also makes a refreshing drink, loved by all, especially kids; they also discovered that the grain gives that purple tint, and they started using this to dye the fabric.
However, the correlation between the colours that the plants showed in their leaves, branches, flowers and fruits was not always so direct.
For example, the Helecho – a local kind of fern – displays brilliant green leaves that create a curious grey colour – admitted to be Isabel’s favourite discovery. On the other hand, the walnut tree’s green leaves give a light brown shade.