Botanical Color

As an ongoing series of works I wanted to explore, I extracted color from the environment. I chose these materials not only for its engagement in color but also to explore its reactivity to the space. These dyes are gathered and foraged from different climates and regions around the United States; some even from my own backyard. I dyed them in pretreated fabrics in soy milk, iron, and oxgall nuts.

Madder Dyes. I tested the calcium deposits in the water before I began the process. I let the dye and fabric soak for several days until I reached a desired richness and depth in color.

Some of the test fabrics that I have pretreated with iron, tannin, and synthetic dyes.

Fabric treated with iron.

Some tests with iron, salt, and oak nuts.

Pretreated fabric with homemade soy milk.

Test result using bundle dyeing technique. Wrapping Eucalyptus leaves and powder onto pretreated fabric.

Avocado skins that I have saved and collected. Creates a reddish brown to pink color.