O Glory! Shibori!

My journey through the art underground surely

must come to a close...or not?!

I have enjoyed a break from the easel...almost enough

that I lust to return...I'm almost there.

Bear with me...it's gonna be a 

Happy New Year!

Shibori  has been around since the 8th century and predates the more familiar "tie-dye" by centuries.  As with most ancient art techniques, this Japanese art of indigo dyeing has morphed and changed over the years. While the traditional use of pulled threads to provide a resist pattern has given way, in some cases, to rubber bands and clothes pins, the results are still lovely and hypnotic.  It is almost addictive: fold, clamp, dye and await in wonder the design that emerges.

Of course I had to try, did you ever doubt it? and not just once but enough times to wonder what the heck I will do with all this gorgeous printed cloth I have made.  But that's a puzzle for another day...

The easiest way to experience the joy of shibori is to go to the Dharma Trading Company website and invest @ $9 in the kit above.  It will provide all you need to get started.  They even have some instructions on site.  If you are a Pinterest fan or love search engines you will also come across myriad ways to approach the fun.

The basic plan is to fold, tie and clamp your white fabric in such a way that the indigo dye reaches some portions of the fabric while avoiding others.  The way you fold will cause the pattern to repeat itself often in differing depths of color.  I would say it is more art than science except that there is a lot of chance involved depending on your fabric choice, the amount of fabric in any one fold and your ability to dye it over and over again before succumbing to the desire of the "reveal."

 These are piles of dampened white cloth folded and awaiting the "vat."  My buddy Barbara chooses the traditional method of threads to gather designs while I hit the rubber bands and clamps.

Indigo is a fascinating dye as it reacts differently than others.  The mixing is specific and it sits and "blooms", then when ready, pieces are submerged, agitated and removed sporting a florescent green color.

As the fabric sits the dye will oxidize to the deep blue color.  Both stages can be seen on the left.  Now note the folded piece on the right.  I have added resists via the popsicle sticks, a couple rubber bands and some clothes pins on the bottom.  It leaves the pot greenish in color.

When it is fully oxidized (flipping it over is important) as in photo on L, I rinse it in clear water and then remove the resists.  What I get is the design on the right. Note the parts that have not hit the air yet.

 Resting while the air works its magic, the entire piece emerges a deep indigo and white with a cool design that is repeated around the folds.  As I got better in relating the folds to the amount of fabrics I realized that too tight a bundle allowed very little dye to get inside and make a design.

But really, there were no "bad" pieces.  The reveal is such a thrill...we oohed and ahhed with each unfolding.

For this "event" Barbara had suggested we work with bandanas (24 x 24) which we easily ordered from Dharma as well.  Who doesn't need a do-rag for a gift?  But as we worked we realized these could be cut apart and used for patches, a quilt or sewn with backings to make bags.  Barbara even gave me the idea of making a tablecloth and napkins out of the results.

It was hard to stop experimenting!  And of course, now that we had experienced the traditional indigo dye we had to play around with...RED!

procion dye, warm red

more bandanas

Did we have fun?  

So the take away for me is that (1) I loved the element of working together, Barbara and I giggled and traded lots of good ideas.  This is not always the way a painting works but it is an excellent outlet for stimulating ideas.  Also, (2) I loved the fact that I could not always predict or control the outcome - can I carry this joy of random results into my painting?  Can I let go and be happy with surprises?  And finally, (3) I loved the high contrast.  The sharp color against the stark white....the definitive lines coupled with the more blurry ones... the repeat pattern against the loss of pattern...

Not bad for a day of fun and creative fellowship.  Order a box, find a friend and dye!!

Dyeing for Color,

Cindy

We Are All Creatives.....

I have a flimsy theory that as society got farther and farther 

removed from having to craft everything it used

(from tools to cloth to homes and quilts)

that individuals began to lose their confidence in making things.

No one who needed a blanket had the luxury of not

making one.  But today we divide ourselves into creatives

and non-creatives.  And the "nons" get an extra helping of

fear....so much so they are denied the thrill of trying.

My purpose in blogging every week is to share insight on a variety of creative processes in an effort to share the many pleasures art provides.  Yet I also long to nudge those of you who are convinced that you are "not creative" to try something new for the sole purpose of pleasure.  Crazy concept?  Try a tie dye party.  For real.  Fun, cheap and a barrel of laughs.  Take a peek at some fun we had this week trying out "ice dying" as well as old fashioned (with new fashion dyes) "tie dye."

 Check the link (or google) above on specifics but ice dyeing takes no more than a bucket, bag of ice, white item and some dye.  We found the pre-soak step very important in the adherence of vibrant colors so don't skip that stage.

We used a variety of containers.  It's not precise, it's a no fail process as long as you like the colors!

Note, unless, like me, you are accustomed to having green fingers for a week or so, wear plastic gloves!

Ice dying gives a more muted affect for the colors blending...isn't Lisa's skirt gorgeous? I can't wait to trick out my dress above.  To find some cotton clothes to dye try this link for choices.

Of course we could not resist doing a few in the method of our hippie days: tie dye with rubber bands.

pretty gorgeous come summer time!

detail of my dress, note affect of ice dye

So treat yourself and some friends to that wonderful high you get when you step back and see your handiwork.  It may not be your favorite piece of clothing but it will be a favorite day spent laughing, sharing stories and catching up.  Therapy and art, just like an old fashioned quilting bee.

Let me know how it goes....I'll even share your results if you send a photo.

Color Fully Yours,

Cindy