abstract project The project dandelion is an experiment drawing attention to a plant with a multifaceted character, which lies in the area of tension between being an outsider and ubiquity. In spite of the emotional value and its versatile applicability, the common dandelion lived in the shadows of the indispensable agricultural crops or the decorative flowers, what let it become a classical wallflower. Due to its broad dissemination, its adaptability and hardiness, dandelion is the declared enemy of the tidy allotment holders. This manifold and high contrast character is expressed in a series of textiles which deals with the plants dyeing properties. The jewellery series reflects the dandelions untamed being in an urban environment and its characteristics as a pioneer plant in a number of concrete pendants. The dandelion is investigated in an unusual manner to find and reveal its true nature which lets us rethink its accustomed image.

In search of nature As children we played with the blowball in the meadows, watched the german children’s television series „Löwenzahn“ (dandelion) and had braided floral wreaths in our hair. A syrup with a consistency similar to honey can be extracted from the yellow blossom, the leaves with a slightly bitter taste can be used for a healthy salad and the roots were served as coffee substitute in the postwar period. Furthermore, dandelion is a well-known medical plant since ancient times. In spite of the emotional value and its multifaceted applicability, the common dandelion Taraxacum officinale lived in the shadows of the indispensable agricultural crops or the decorative flowers, what let it become a classical wallflower. Actually it is named and treated as weed, because it thrives not only in meadows but in the pavement and cracks in the walls, too. Due to its broad dissemination, its adaptability and hardiness dandelion is the declared enemy of the tidy allotment idyll, whose owners in germany even came up with specially named, customized weapon to fight the dandelion: The notorious “Löwenzahnstecher” – dandelion weeder. Although this necessity for particular counteraction feels like the hardy and wild trait gave him his name, the real reason however is the serrated shape of his leaves.

photocredits: studio gutedort