Currently showing at In-Town Gallery, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is "Patterns by Nature," a collection of eco-prints by artist Janice Kindred.

Kindred uses plants and flowers she has gathered locally, and through a multi-step process she has developed, transfers their shapes and colors to watercolor paper. She then uses a variety of ways to enhance her patterns to produce beautiful original works of art.

If you live in or around Chattanooga, the public has the opportunity to view these unique pieces at a reception happening on Friday, June 7, from 5—8 PM. The gallery is located at 26 Frazier Ave # A, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37405.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Kindred's father was a painter. She began drawing and painting as a child. As much as she loved art, she also loved plants and growing things. After completing a program at the Holden Arboretum, in Kirtland, Ohio, and became an Ohio Landscape Association certified licensed grower. This led to a career in horticulture.
Help develop your own green thumb with Custom Earth Promo's seed paper.

After moving to Chattanooga in 2011, art became a more serious hobby. Kindred began taking drawing classes at Chattanooga's Townsend Atelier and classes at Chattanooga's Art Creations. She was heavily influenced by artist Sandra Paynter Washburn and her classes in mixed media.

In this show, the artist combines both her knowledge of plants and the aesthetics of a working artist to create what Kindred calls "eco-prints." The prints begin with the gathering of plants such as dogwood leaves, clover, maple tree seed pods, wildflowers, and honey locust tree leaves. The materials are then arranged in compositions on watercolor paper and placed in a special hot water bath.
Make your own special hot water bath with stainless steel water bottles and tumblers.

"And at that point, the process takes over. I'm continually surprised at what results. Often colors I'd planned appear on the paper, but sometimes colors or shapes emerge I never would have imagined."

Artist Janice Kindred

Once the plants have stained the paper, it is allowed to dry before beginning image enhancement. Items such as beading, embroidery thread acrylic paints, inks, or cutting away negative spaces are used for Kindred to change and mold the pattern normally found in nature.

Kindred's collection will remain until the end of the month. The gallery is open 11 AM—6 PM Monday—Saturday and 1—5 PM on Sundays. You can also call them at (423) 267-9214 for more information.