Dirt Stains and Other Works is a transformation of materials growing within and littered across Knowles’ neighbourhood ecosystem. Subtle shades are coaxed from foraged edibles, kitchen scraps and scavenged gems of rubbish, then combined with repurposed and handwoven textiles to express the process of creation and decay that is inherent to living organisms and the artworks they construct. Knowles explores ephemerality and the decomposing body as ways to begin to engage more deeply, sustainably and reciprocally with the land, and to reckon with the difficulties of loss and mortality. The delicacy of textiles, decorative patterns and their associations with the feminine are employed as ways to approach the land “softly,” and as an alternative to the masculinist landscape tradition.