Lilaea Van Der See is an emerging visual artist and designer whose practice values connection over consumption and celebrates the beauty of imperfection.

Her work centres on the artisanal process of botanical printing on natural textiles, using reclaimed fabrics and garments. Indigenous flora is infused directly into the fabric, giving new life to discarded materials and reflecting her commitment to sustainability and circular process innovation. Through this approach, Van Der See embraces the principles of slow fashion, balancing stillness and flow with reverence and intention.

She creates wearable art that honours the rhythms of the Earth, inviting the wearer and viewer to reconnect with what sustains us, and reimagining fashion as a powerful means of connection. Alongside her textile practice, she also works with photography, at times integrating photographic elements into installations.

Van Der See’s work has been recognised through several awards and exhibitions. In 2025, she was the winner of the 21st Annual River of Art Prize for her installation When Stillness Dances…, featuring botanical printing on silk. She was also an entrant in the 11th Annual Black Cockatoo Art Awards (2023), responding to the NAIDOC theme For Our Elders with the installation Listening to the Mother…. In 2022, she was the winner of the 10th Annual Black Cockatoo Art Awards for To Be One…, an installation combining botanical printing on silk and photography, responding to the NAIDOC theme Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!. In 2021, her work was entered in the NAIDOC Poster Competition (Heal Country).

Her creative practice continues to evolve through a deepening focus on presence, connection and attentive making.

“This ensemble is the embodiment of deep connection…

“My intention was to create a piece of Wearable Art that beckons stillness & presence.

“The foundation of this design is a single piece of deadstock silk, reclaimed from a design house. With the concept of zero waste patterning in mind, the dress is cut as one piece. The two off-cuts are utilised to compliment and accessorise the outfit. This design offers the wearer versatility & individual creativity.

“My hands weave a story between the fabrics I collect and the plants I gather. New life is breathed into the silk as it is infused with Indigenous flora through the artisan art of Botanical Printing. Whilst slow and intentional, this time-honoured practice is unique in its entirety, mirroring the organic unpredictability of the natural world.

“She wears the whispers of the land in her gown. To compliment her body coverings she is adorned with a crown of native sarsaparilla, used by First Nations Peoples for medicinal & ceremonial purposes, embellished with the feathers of the Lyrebird (keepers of sound), & Kookaburra (voices of renewal). Around her neck native mussels rest in quiet homage, inspired by those worn by Truganini & the Palawa Women, carrying stories of belonging.

“Wearing garments created with reverence & immersed with indigenous essence awakens a remembrance…

“When we remember that, as we are born of this land, we are this land, we naturally embody honour for ourselves & each other, deepening our connection to country.

“This ensemble is not just worn, its experienced.

“A timeless creation, invoking a sense of deep listening, quiet awareness, gentle flow & wholeness.

“This is PRESENCE…

“This is WHEN STILLNESS DANCES…”

Lilaea van der See -Dadirri Dreaming 2025.

Shipping to anywhere in Australia is $50 for this work. International shipping is available on request.