Tuesday 19 February 2013

Indigo

 
Last weekend, I was lucky enough to steal away a for a few hours to learn an ancient art form incorporating a hue that is possibly the most universally used colour in our collective histories.

Indigo. One of the oldest blue pigments, threaded throughout our history, connecting all of us. It's a colour I instantly link to the Mayans, the Romans, the Egyptians. It's blue denim, it's ocean shores.

With the lovely and talented textile designer and artist Joanna Fowles at the helm, our small class donned our aprons and gloves and delved into the highly addictive Shibori techniques of Japanese tie-dye. The process is so cathartic, it's tangible, you can see the dye reacting to the oxygen in the air and turning blue. Jo described her love for Shibori  because it helps you reconnect with your hands. In this digital world, creating with your hands, seeing your ideas unfold, your gloved fingertips turn blue. It's grounding.

One of the great things about Shibori is that it's so forgiving. Mistakes and experiments often turn out the most beautiful results. I think it's the indigo. It's such a beautiful colour that it's impossible to get wrong. I bought the take home kit and my mind is overflowing with ideas of new projects and gift ideas. It's safe to say I'm hooked!


Megan Morton creates such a gorgeous environment for classes at The School. In the crisp white space all high ceilings and light, located in the same complex as Koskela and Kitchen By Mike. It's almost too much amazing in the one place. Plus there's always tea and there's always cake. Especially beautiful American Chocolate cake, if Julie Gibbs has anything to do with it!

There's an all day Shibori class coming up at The School next month, and loads of other beautiful classes and crafternoons in the schedule. I'm aiming for a class every few months or so. It's just so good for the soul. I challenge you to attend a class and not come away utterly inspired!

Belinda x

3 comments:

  1. Oh what a magic day! I lust after all things shibori and would have so loved to pop on a plane and come and indulge in this gorgeous lesson. Your's is particularly lovely. And a class once every few months sounds perfect. Hope your week is a lovely one :) x

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  2. oh id so love to do that!!....what creations...every one of them is beautiful... x

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  3. how exciting. working with my hands and making things makes me happy too. glad you enjoyed the class. hurrah! x

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Thanks for your comment, so nice to hear from you. Belinda x

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