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Natural Identity

Rooted in personal history and shaped by the trauma of losing my mother at a young age, this body of work explores emotional healing through textiles. It addresses themes of grief, control, and liberation. The collection unfolds in a specific order that mirrors my journey from restriction to self-discovery. Through the use of natural dyes, specifically madder root and indigo, and screen printing, I create a visual narrative of emotional weight and transformation. Madder root’s deep reds symbolize pain and resilience, while indigo’s calming blues evoke introspection and healing.

I discovered printing and natural dyeing as forms of healing, using these processes to reflect on and release emotions while expressing myself in ways I couldn’t before. Using iron and rice paste resist in the screen printing process, I create designs that symbolize the emotional transformation I’ve experienced. Early garments feature structured, restrictive elements like D-rings and collared shirts, referencing control, while later pieces transition to softer fabrics and looser ties, symbolizing emotional release and freedom. These techniques embody the fluctuating nature of healing, where tension and fluidity coexist.

This collection encourages viewers to engage with their own emotional experiences, using clothing as a medium for self-expression and transformation.
 

Bio

Anysa Williamson Denby is a textile and fashion designer whose work centers on natural dyeing, screen printing, and intuitive garment construction. She is deeply connected to color as a language of emotion and memory, and sees process as both a method and a mindset. She creates textiles that speak to transformation, personal storytelling, and the power of materials and process through slow, intentional making.