Featured Artist : Lyn BristolLBM Designs

My name is Lyn Bristol, and I am from the tiny Caribbean island of St Lucia. I am primarily a visual artist, but also dabbled in fabric painting - when I realized, I could be making "wearable art".

I began in earnest making beach wraps and rectangular scarves, and things evolved from there to making beach cover ups (short kaftans, and kimonos). The label "fashion designer" was soon slapped on me, but I prefer "textile artist". Most of my garments feature one-of-a-kind designs which are kind of hard for me to replicate.

I really do not have the traditional "what inspires me to create" feel . Ideas come to me at all odd times when there is nothing visual around me to "inspire" my designs. Then it sticks in my mind, until I get the idea going from brain to hand to brush to paints and fabrics and sewing machine. Sometimes, I do get inspiration from viewing other people's works - but not to copy!! I cannot even replicate my own work, far less other people's work. I also get my own ideas while I am working on one piece, and quickly have to produce the design on another piece of fabric. Sometimes, I do lose my mojo ... music brings it back. I am an avid fashion magazine freak!! I like to view new trends, in silhouettes and colour palettes - sometimes, I DO get inspiration from looking through the magazines. I am a huge Pucci fan!

I always use Dharma as my "one-stop-shop"! So far, I have never had a disappointment with their products, and/or my orders. I think sometimes they go above and beyond with me - that I think (and I would like to think) that they know me personally!!! *warm fuzzy feeling here*. I mostly buy their SetaSilk paints (wonderful colours), as well as the SetaColor (limited but vibrant colors), their synthrapol detergent (Dharma might not like to know that when I run out, and not able to purchase a replacement right away - geographical location, etc - my Plan B is dishwashing liquid!! - no bleach, and it removes grease and gunk), and their water based resist which I am always watering down to the quick, this product never fails me.

It took me a while to get acquainted with their fabrics (they all have washing instructions - YAY!!), which I am happy for. Dharma introduced me to their cotton gauze fabric which I am in love with, and will continue to buy, including their silks, viscose rayon and cotton voile. These fabrics are just fabulous for the garments that I hand paint and sew up. I am dying to try their hemp and bamboo fabrics.

Anytime I am stuck with the proper use of any product, or its properties, I visit their website, and most times, the answer to my question, worry and/or query is somewhere in there. For me their website is very comprehensive and easy to navigate.