Anna Van Voorhis

While at the Anderson Center Anna began developing a large, research-based body of work titled Sowing Clothes. The project spans textiles, performance, agriculture, research, and writing. Predominantly taking the form of clothing, Sowing Clothes consists of garments made from plant-based fibers designed to sow seeds as the person wearing them walks. The seeds sown by the articles of clothing then turned into the plants needed to produce the fibers and dyes required to make similar garments. Sowing Clothes focused primarily on flax plants as a fiber source (linen) since the plant thrives in colder climates such as Minnesota and was once a major crop sector in the state. While in residence, Anna designed, cut, dyed, and sewed clothing from linen with perforated pockets for scattering seeds. The designs were created in consultation with local fiber growers to ensure that the clothing can disperse seeds in a method that will promote successful plant growth. Anna also led a public natural dye workshop.