Meet the Artist Behind Our Shibori DoubleNest Hammock Print, Natali Jackson

Meet Natali Jackson

If you’ve seen our latest tie-dye hammock covered in soft, flowing patterns that look like they bloomed right out of the forest, you’ve spotted the work of Natali Jackson. She’s a tie-dye and Shibori artist based in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC and the creative mind behind our new Shibori DoubleNest Hammock Print.

Natali’s art is full of texture, motion, and color, and so is her story. Let’s get to know the artist bringing this fresh, nature-inspired design into the ENO lineup.

What is your mission as a small business? 

As a one woman, small business owner, my mission is to put my art out into the world and hopefully, add some color and beauty to other’s lives.

How did your artist journey start? How long have you been a creative? 

I’ve been creating art in some form since I was pretty young. I started selling and trading my work on [Grateful] Dead tour as a teenager in the early 1990’s. Working with my hands is such a  therapeutic outlet for me, from sewing, painting, knitting, jewelry design to tie-dyeing.

I started to really get into tie-dyeing in the beginning of the pandemic.  It was something I thought my kids would enjoy, but instead, I became addicted! I love testing out new designs and color combinations. There is always something to learn.

What medium do you specialize in? What is Shibori? 

I use professional, procion powder dyes, and I primarily ice dye various natural fiber clothing and textiles.

I became interested in Shibori techniques early on in my tie-dyeing journey.  Shibori is a traditional Japanese dyeing technique, traced back to the 8th century, and being half Japanese, I found a particular interest in this method.  It is a resist technique, meaning that you fold and manipulate the fabric in such a way that certain areas resist the dye, creating unique, one-of-a-kind designs and patterns.

While indigo was, and still is, primarily used when Shibori dyeing, I have enjoyed experimenting with various color combinations and dye applications.  I love unfolding a dye and revealing the result!

Please describe your design process, from idea to conception. 

My design process happens organically for the most part; however, through trial and error, I’ve learned what colors or ties/folds to use or not use, depending on the item being dyed. 

First, I wash the item to remove any chemicals/coatings on the fabric and soak the item in a soda ash solution, and spin it dry in the washing machine. Then I decide what the best design would be and fold and tie the fabric, using artificial sinew, string, or rubber bands. I usually let the tied piece dry, depending on what final look I am trying to achieve. 

As far as color choices go, most of the time, unless specifically dyeing a custom order, I wing it.  I listen to music and create what I feel.  Sometimes, I apply the powdered dye directly on top of the fabric and then add ice, and sometimes, I do the opposite.  I let the item batch anywhere from 24-48 hours, depending on temperature, and then rinse, unfold, and wash.

While there is a science to ice dyeing as far as the soda ash, procion dyes, water and temperature all reacting to each other, one of the beautiful things about art is that there is no right or wrong. Each piece created is one of a kind and is unique in its own way.

What makes this print concept special or unique? What is the story behind your design?

This is not the typical rainbow swirl print that many associate “tie dye” with, and that makes it unique.  Collaborating with the ENO crew has been a great experience!  I really feel that the Shibori  design we chose to use has an organic feel to it, yet still translates as a “tie dye.”

How were you introduced to ENO? Why do you want to collaborate with ENO?

My brother introduced me to ENO many years ago, or it could have been seeing them at different music festivals throughout the years, traveling around the country, touring with the Grateful Dead, and Phish. 

Doing a collaboration with ENO is such an honor!  My art is mostly created outdoors in nature, and to see it designed into an ENO hammock is awesome!  It just works, and I couldn’t be happier with the end result.

How does the hammock design connect to ENO’s ethos? 

ENO is all about taking a break, enjoying nature, appreciating the outdoors, and of course, comfort.

The Shibori design organically flows, and the colors blend nicely with nature, somewhat like a flower blooming in a field.  It is a part of the scenery and hopefully evokes soothing energy as you are relaxing in it. 

Who was in mind when designing this hammock? What message do you hope this hammock resonates with the user? 

When designing this hammock, I was thinking of being in nature, at a festival, or really just someplace where I feel relaxed and happy.  I hope you feel peaceful and relaxed when hanging in the Shibori hammock.

Want to keep up with Natali? Follow her on Instagram.