Meet Heidi Iverson | Artist, teacher, designer, & Natural Dye Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heidi Iverson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heidi, what are you inspired by?
So many things inspire me. The mundane is probably my biggest inspiration. I love shadows and patterns you find in nature, especially tree rings. I’m obsessed with circles.

Aerial photography, patched concrete and graffiti that has been repeatedly painted over with bland mismatched colors. How much these things look like quilt patterns and faded textiles. I’m always looking for patterns in unexpected places. Old textiles are another huge inspiration. The older and funkier, the better. The way colors fade, the fragility and history they contain, the lives they lived, if transformed, the life they can still live.

Trees, botanicals, herbs, weeds, how many of them can be food, medicine and produce beautiful natural dyes. The secret lives of plants and all there hidden colors.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art/art practice has evolved massively over the years. The Pandemic completely changed my creative world/job. I was a soft sculpture artist/doll maker and sold my work all over the world, in addition to working for a creative agency that specializes in social media marketing. My Business and job completely disappeared in a week. Like so many people, I had to pivot. I started exploring natural dyes and handwork/mindful stitching daily. I would go out into my yard and find a plant and see what color it would make(the simplified version). I offered free virtual classes and workshops multiple times a week and connected with an amazing global community.  I start selling my naturally dyed thread and fabric, along with patterns and kits I designed, and all of sudden, Honey Folk Clothing(my clothing brand) evolved into something new. It felt like I stepped through a door and into an alternate reality. Not the most conventional way to start a business, and I don’t recommend it. You end up working backward, and there is so much creative problem-solving. Once things opened up and returned to “normal,” I discovered I had developed extreme social anxiety and mild agoraphobia.  I used my art practice and the textile collages I was creating as emotional maps. A way for me to work through what I was feeling one stitch at a time. I’ve now returned to teaching workshops on natural dyeing and mending, sewing my garment line, and designing. I manage all aspects of my business, and I do all the production, marketing, and photography. It’s crazy and fun, and I’m always discovering new colors from plants we all walk past every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost on my list would be going to the Fabric District. I would need to bring someone along to help keep me from hoarding too many bolts.

Then museums such as LACMA, MOCA, The Broad, the Academy Museum and venture out to the Getty.

Finally, food. There’s so much amazing food in Los Angeles, from street food to haute cuisine, it’s hard to know where to start. I’d need a local food enthusiast friend to help guide us. Petit Trois would definitely be one stop. And with enough planning, I would certainly want to try to get a reservation at n/naka.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Grandma Bernice(she passed away at age 99) for teaching me how to embroider when I was six. She also taught me that mundane things can be beautiful. My husband for always being helpful and supportive even when I’m being grumpy. My friends Whitni, Laurel, Dani, and Meredith for being incredible strong creative brilliant women. My friend Rebecca Burgess for inviting me to be a part of the Fibershed when it began in 2010. She introduced me to natural dyes and the concept of slow fashion.

Website: honeyfolkclothing.com

Instagram: @honeyfolkclothing

Facebook: honeyfolkclothing

Youtube: Honey Folk Clothing

Other: Patreon – Honey Folk Clothing https://www.patreon.com/honeyfolk