Pauline Gruell: Prints for Plants in Transylvania

Soft, lush pastures roll out as far as the eye can see, all completely untouched by modern agriculture. The heart of Transylvania's pastoral landscape. This is where botanical fabric printer and artist Pauline Gruell found herself, immersed in a project that blends conservation and creativity.

For years, a British couple, James and Rachel de Candole, have been working to document and protect the floral biodiversity of this fragile ecosystem, inviting renowned botanical artists to the Transylvania School of Botanic Art at their home to record and celebrate the region’s plant life. Last summer, Pauline joined this endeavour, using her expertise in textile printing to create a collection of patterns inspired by the wild flora of the region.

Pauline’s work is intimately connected to nature. From her studio in Utrecht, Netherlands, she has spent years developing a unique stencil printing technique, layering brushes and transparent inks to create depth, texture, and movement within her designs. Influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and the Wiener Werkstätte, her approach balances history with a personal, contemporary touch. Her stencil printing process, both slow and intentional, allows her to refine her inspiration, translating the essence of plants into striking, intricate designs...

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