Workshop 1 – Indigo Dyeing Workshop 22nd - 24th May 

Indigo is one of the oldest and most magical of all the natural dyes.  It is the colour of the sky and the sea, and in many cultures indigo-dyed cloth was considered sacred and precious. As we become more and more conscious of what we wear and where it comes from, plant-based, non-chemical indigo dye is experiencing resurgence. This dyestuff is Aboubakar Fofana's particular passion, and he has a vast store of knowledge on its provenance, usage, and of course, practical applications.

This workshop focuses on powdered indigo and setting up a fructose vat using entirely non-chemical and environmentally (and skin!) friendly techniques.  Unlike indigo leaves, powdered indigo is quite easy to source, and the fructose vat is also relatively straightforward to put together and to use.  This workshop will explain the unique chemistry of indigo, principles of setting up and caring for a fructose vat, as well as choice and preparation of the textile to be dyed. Over three days, participants will be shown how to prepare powdered indigo and how to set up the dye-vat, dye a set of samples, and work on a larger project with Aboubakar's assistance.

This workshop will also include an introduction to simple shibori and resist-patterning techniques which are suitable for use with indigo.  Participants will come away with enough knowledge to set up their own vats and start working with indigo, as well as a deeper understanding of how indigo works and how to achieve the best colour-fast, light-fast and even  results with this ancient and singular dye-stuff.

All sample materials and dye-stuffs will be included in the cost, but participants will need to bring their own small project to work on.  Details will be sent out – however Aboubakar will have some hand spun and hand-woven organic Malian cotton available for purchase, and we are also hoping to make small quantities of suitable shawl-lengths available for participants.

*Please note:  fructose indigo is not the same as fermented vegetable indigo.  The fermented process is much longer and very much more difficult, and it requires constant heat and attention.  It's not really a suitable technique for anywhere where the temperature drops below 30 degrees.  We will be running fermented vegetable indigo workshops in Byron Bay and/or the Brisbane area during the 2015-16 summer – please email to go on the mailing list if you are not already.

These workshops will take place at the studio of textile artist Jude Craig – in Upwey at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges.

This workshop costs $550. 

To book a place, please contact johanna.macnaughtan@gmail.com

Weld

Although best known for his indigo artisanship, Aboubakar Fofana has many other 'strings to his bow'. At one of his workshops here in my studio in the Dandenongs, in February this year, he introduced me to the innate beauty of weld.

Know as it Reseda Luteola, Dyer's Weld, Dyer's Rocket...Dyer's Migonette, I call it mellow yellow. I am in love with the colour this plant yields. The only colour I am more in love with than the yellow from weld, is the yellow from weld and copper!

This is an ancient dye plant, commonly used from the Middle Ages onwards. It is a biennial and grows up to 2 metres in height. The long spikes with small pale yellow flowers start appearing in early Summer and attract bees and other insects. When you are brewing weld to make dye, it exudes a honeyish aroma which tickles your olfactory sense. At that moment, you ARE a bee!

Weld also has some myths attached to it....
The dye was used to colour the robes of the Vestal Virgins in Roman times, although all depictions I have found, show the virgins in white.
The dye was used with woad to produce Lincoln Green, the colour of the clothes worn by Robin Hood and his band of men, although there is no historical data linking green cloth to that area.
Nice little ditties though!

Aboubakar showed us how to prepare our samples by washing them very, very thoroughly, then simmering them in a pre-mordant; stirring all the time. The magical weld was the next step, again stirring all the time; then rinsing and rinsing and drying.
Each step must be executed with integrity and love for even, clean results.

(my gratitude to Jen Angel for capturing the moments, as only she can)

Not bad for a days work. Aboubakar will be returning to Melbourne and Sydney mid May 2015 to run more workshops. 
If these photos have piqued your interest, you can contact his agent Johanna MacNaughtan for more details at johanna.macnaughtan@gmail.com

MrTJSmith79

A couple of weeks ago, Amy Middleton asked me to be part of a promotional film for Dandenong Ranges Open Studios and I was happy to oblige.

It was only after agreeing, that I realised it was Tim who was coming to shoot the film...(Im a BIG fan!)

I feel he has captured the very essence of the Open Studios programme here, in the Dandenong Ranges and if I wasn't taking part, I would feel compelled to visit.

Hope you do too!

ENJOY!

Oh and if you really like Tim's work, check out some more here

Like a bus!

........you know, you wait and wait and then two come along at the same time!

Workshops for March are ON! 

Dates are: 

Sunday 16th March

Saturday 22nd march

Sunday 23rd March

Saturday 29th March

Sunday 30th March

Naturally Dyed Workshops

  

Explore the art of natural dyeing using locally sourced plant materials in this eco-friendly experimental workshop. In this workshop, we will share knowledge and investigate

·       Which fabrics dye well and why

·       How to get dye from natural sources

·       How to mordant (fix) the dye to the fabric.

Most importantly you will gain the knowledge to continue experimenting at home.

When                                                                     Sunday 16^th March

                                    Saturday 22^nd March                 Sunday 23^rd March

                                    Saturday 29^th March                  Sunday 30^th March

                                   

How much       $100

Where              My Studio in Upwey

Contact                 judecraig@naturallydyed.com.au

www.naturallydyed.com.au

What to bring

·       100% silk or wool light coloured fabric - preferably second hand but new is okay too.

·       100% linen and cotton will dye but to a lesser degree.

·       Fabrics can be in small pieces or long lengths

·       Interesting bits of old metal (eg, copper, iron) up to 30cm long - rust is great, as is texture

·       Cord, thick wool or metal wire to bind pieces Thread, assorted needles, bulldog clips

·       An apron, gloves, notepad and pen

Dyes, mordants and some suitable fabric will be provided. This list is not exhaustive.

If you feel inspired to bring anything else, please do... sharing and swapping of items encouraged!

This is a one day workshop running from 10.00 to 4.30.

Classes are limited to 5 students

Arrangements for payment will be offered once classes are consolidated

Tactile Pleasure

My thanks to Janet Knoop and Bernadette Marriner for inviting me to be part of Tactile Pleasure in Apollo Bay. The exhibition runs from Friday 7th March until Sunday 23rd March in the Anglican Church Hall.

It is a group art exhibition featuring 30 artists, exhibiting a diverse mix of eclectic artwork in the medium of jewellery, painting, papier mache, photography, sculpture, textiles and woodwork. All artwork will be for sale. 
There will also be a "Gallery Shop" selling original, hand crafted art pieces each priced under $100. Open daily 10am to 4pm

Have a look here for more visual stimulation   

Just a few pieces by me!

End of the Line Festival 2013

Wow!
Just coming up for air, second time this event has been organised in Belgrave by those alarmingly adrenalin packed folk from Limerence plus their nearest and dearest co-ordinating friends, so many to mention, such a great job done...thank you!
Wow!
Did I just say that? .... well it's deserves emphasis.

It was, yet again, one of the best days in the hills, both meteorologically and passionately, celebrating all the local talent and enticing those shy and retiring out of their comfortable havens of tranquillity.

Photo by Lyn Forrest...thank you so much

I had the fortune to chat with many; some fellow creatives visiting for the day, some patrons who have purchased my work and with whom I have a deep connection; stallholders, peddling their wares like me and immersed in the benevolent vibration of the festival, friends, photographers documenting the day and children form the scout stall asking if I wanted a sausage!

 

I'll be there next year and I can't wait to see what is in store for End of the Line then. Anyway, enough about me, pop over the the End of the Line link and experience the day in hyperspace.