This week’s Sunday Visit we catch up with the inimitable Maibe Maroccolo she is the founder and creative director of Mattricaria based in Brazil. She has a master in sustainable development from the University of Arts London. After a period of studies and specialization in the United Kingdom, Maibe delved into her Brazilian roots and dedicated herself to researching and mapping dye plants, with a focus on textile and artistic applications.
Since 2013, her research has revolved around the potential of natural dyes from Brazilian flora and Matricaria was born. The studio also records traditional methods aimed at artisanal practices.
You have a wonderful eye for pigment and creating color with plants. Can you tell us a little bit about what drew you to natural dyes? How did you start?
I was drawn to natural dyes from childhood, influenced by my family’s women and my grandmother’s garden in Brasília, filled with colorful, aromatic, and medicinal plants. This nurturing environment, where everyday plants became part of our healing and culinary practices, piqued my curiosity. The sight of sunlight dancing through water, creating vivid colors, fascinated me. Growing up surrounded by these natural wonders and the craft of my family, I developed a deep interest in the hues of nature, leading me to a lifelong passion for researching and utilizing natural dyes.
We both went to the University of The Arts London! I was excited to see you went there too. Working with Brazilian Flora seems to be an integral part of your practice, did studying in London also inspire your craft?
Studying at the University of The Arts London greatly shaped my understanding of sustainable fashion and its impact on people and the environment. This experience rekindled my love for natural colors, reminiscent of my childhood and my grandmother’s use of onion peels for dyeing. Inspired by this and Brazil’s diverse plant life, I started Mattricaria, a project focused on sustainable dyeing practices, celebrating cultural heritage, and fostering creativity.
Tell us about your paint line and what inspired you to offer this product.
Our paint line features natural fabric dyes, inspired by Brazil’s nature and traditional methods. We produce these dyes in small batches, changing colors with the seasons to ensure quality and sustainability. The dyes are crafted in small batches, ensuring quality and allowing us to adapt the color range with the changing seasons. This approach not only pays homage to traditional practices but also resonates with our commitment to environmental responsibility and cultural heritage.
Last question, what plant are you most drawn to right now?
Currently, I’m drawn to the Urucum plant, native to Brazil. It produces red-orange seeds used for natural dyeing, known for their bright color and use in traditional Brazilian crafts.
Try Annatto like Maibe…
Annatto Seed Powder (Bixa orellana)
Annatto Seed Powder (Bixa orellana) is a waxy, tropical seed that is used as a spice, medicine and a food and textile dye. It’s also called achiote, roucou and lipstick tree. Annatto is a shrub native to tropical Central and Amazonia South America and is now grown throughout the world. Annatto is soluble in both water and oil, and it is widely used as a colorant for cosmetics and food…