In this episode of Iona Foundation's podcast series, Jan Jaap van Hubeek talks to Odin director Merle Koomans (who has been involved in biodynamic farming for 30 years) and artist and activist Claudy Jongstra (who has devoted 30 years to wool). They talk about the importance of sustainable organic food production, the use of natural materials for art and clothing and of natural dye plants that Odin cultivates for Claudy Jongstra, among others. ‘A hundred years ago, the use of barks, flowers, roots, plants was a social activity; these community projects created interconnectedness,’ she says. ‘A dye plant connects everything and everyone’ says Jongstra in the podcast. ‘Nowadays, nothing is connected; we are alienated from nature.’
And: ‘If you no longer experience natural colours in your environment, you wouldn't even know they exist’ , says Jongstra who, along with only a small dozen professional paint experts worldwide, is part of the Dyer's Circle.
Jongstra also talks about biodynamic farming as a pillar of her LOADS Collection. ‘We need an outlet for those dye plants; we use them to naturally dye fabrics for clothing and interiors. Fabrics like Egyptian cooperative SEKEM's biodynamic, Demeter-certified cotton. For me, they are a role model that I draw inspiration from. ’
‘We are all pioneers who need to take a long view and keep communicating our mission and vision.’ But how do you get that story across the buhne? That starts with education, the first step, Jongstra and Koomans think. Food is also a common thread that connects people. Knowing what you eat and wear, consciously choosing good and healthy. How do we reverse the story of fast fashion and food full of pesticides? ‘We want to bring the world of food and textiles together in a conscious and responsible way.’
‘New Definitions’ is also addressed. This fund was set up by Odin, Claudy Jongstra, Galerie Fontana Amsterdam and the Iona Foundation to promote a more holistic system with more diversity and creativity in farmland, cuisine, culture and fashion - and more room for experimentation.
Listen to the podcast in which Koomans and Jongstra offer insights into the sustainable chain for food and clothing:
