Kelp, colour and wild fibre with Lydia Miller

Show Notes

Takeaways from this episode:

• Discover how to work with organic materials in intuitive ways.

  Lydia shares how she sources, prepares, and responds to natural materials like kelp, sticks, and antlers – and how these forms often guide the direction of her sculptures. You’ll learn to let materials lead, rather than control the outcome.

• Learn what it means to build a creative practice in relationship with place.

  Whether living in the city or foraging on the coast, Lydia adapts her artmaking to what's available in her environment. This episode will inspire you to explore your local surroundings with new eyes – and see creative potential in unexpected resources.

• Explore the emotional and ecological dimensions of fibre art.

  Lydia’s work doesn’t just use natural materials – it’s in conversation with them. You'll hear how weaving becomes a way to reflect on our connection to the land, and how handmade objects can carry memory, meaning and care.

• Get practical insights into natural dye gardening.

  Lydia offers tips for growing your own dye plants, even in small spaces. If you’re curious about making colour from plants or kitchen scraps, you’ll come away with ideas you can try at home – plus a downloadable guide to get you started.

• Be reminded that your creativity matters – even if it’s slow.

  Lydia speaks candidly about balancing work, life, and art. Her approach offers gentle encouragement to honour small wins, keep showing up, and trust that your creative rhythm doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful.

Join the conversation

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Explore the artwork from this episode below

During the live interview, we shared some images of Lydia’s artwork. Since you’re listening to the podcast version, we’ve made these images available for you below.