Eden Project

Pollinator profile: Carla Wentink

As a Pollinator at Eden, Carla uses her many talents to tell visitors about the relationship between people and plants in unusual and exciting ways.

Carla Wentink with knitting needles and 'yarn-bombed' bicycle rack

She does this through:

movement, ie contemporary dance and t’ai chi ch’uan
demonstrations of natural dyeing, especially with plants demos, conversations and exchanges about all fibre/textile crafts, like spinning, knitting, crochet, and general sewing, mending, making and celebrating
conversations about health and physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing for all
leading themed tours: her favourites are the ‘Tour of the Trees’ and the ‘Foody Walk’.

Q and A

What are your favourite pieces that you perform at Eden?

Bidding all arriving visitors a morning welcome on top of the Link building roof through the language of a movement sequence; this year it’s the People's Dance.
Natural dye workings: this year I’ll show you slow colour and I’m trialling Japanese indigo balls. It’s always evolving!
Lavender makings: this summer it’s a meditation circle in the lavender beds, but I also love to make lavender last by weaving it into a crocheted necklace, or a wand.
Upcycling plastic carrier bags and other discarded finds into bags and other useful things.
Spinning cotton – and its stories – on an Indian book charkha [a spinning wheel].
Knitting bunting for the Big Lunch, yarn storming bus stops and bicycle racks with knits, and exchanging craft skills!

What does being a Pollinator at Eden mean to you?

It means exchanging with a broad audience about all ways and walks in life, as detailed or as broad as possible: fantastic! It also means lifelong learning at my doorstep and never a dull moment.

What is your favourite thing about Eden?

Its bigger picture. That it is more about people than plants (though without plants…anyway, you know the story) and how we are, act and live together.

Which is your favourite place in Eden?

Plants for Dyes outside the Core and the big-bouldered neolithic path in Wild Cornwall.

Describe your most memorable day at Eden…

My favourite moment is now. Really, I’ve had too many outstanding moments and days to choose from. They’ve always involved people though, and brilliant exchanges.