Painting with Natural Dyes
co-taught by Liz Spencer “The Dogwood Dyer" and Ivana Oro
Sunday, June 24th
11a-1pm
$90 + $15 Materials
Using only nature's bounty you will gain knowledge and experiment with the time honored art of natural dyeing with Liz Spencer The Dogwood Dyer and visiting lingerie designer Ivana of Savia de Oro.
Using locally foraged plants, organic homegrown dyestuff, atural extracts and some extra special local cochineal from the property at Wild Mesa, you will gain knowledge and experiment with the direct application of natural paint onto cloth. The dogwood dyer will demonstrate the proper methods for achieving wash and light fast results with natural dyes and share her tips and secrets for advanced techniques using natural thickeners and resists, outlining the whole process from plant to painted composition.
Visiting Spanish artist and maker Ivana Oro will be educating on the importance of sustainable cochineal and the traditional culture around growing this very special color rich insect native to her home in the Canary Island (we can also find cochineal on the Wild Mesa property).
Most everyone has had to donate or downcycle garments or linens due o everyday wear, spills, accidents and laundry mishaps. Following the dye techniques from this class, you can mask unsightly stains using the coloring power of plants minerals and insect. No prior knowledge on textiles or dyes is required. Participants will leave with their own original painting compositions on various natural material, as well as informational handouts outlining natural dye painting techniques and recipes to recreate this beautiful art at home.