The above video is from the summer of 2022 when we were processing several hundred pounds of textiles a week. Unlike garments in the dye machines, all the yarn you see is processed entirely by hand.

Working at a dye house that exclusively uses plant based dyes has been a gift and a half for someone who has been a farmhand, an engineering student, an artist and a river guide. The joys I’ve found in harvest, seeking out freak-variables, observing nature, and cheering for water (..I’m not kidding…) all mix together in this factory of mysteries. Despite our efforts to control the outcome, there are too many variables inherent in working with plant dyes that the best we can do is follow our notes, measure twice and light a candle so the plant spirits may be merciful on our foolish practice of trying to control the outcome.

Back in 2019, the year Dan and I met, we somehow shared an obsession with learning how to dye our clothes with plants. To be honest, I think we both shared an interest in monochromatic outfits and color, but I don’t really remember. That autumn we found ourselves in the Hudson Valley. Katrina Rodenbaugh, author of Mending Matters, was teaching a course on foraging for natural dyes. In just a few hours she showed us how common native and garden plants like golden rod, black walnut, and marigolds could summon a new quality to natural fibers like wool, silk, linen and cotton.

Record scratch – like any dyer will tell you, it’s been a journey getting to know the qualities and characteristics of plant based dyes. Dye plants are tricksters , each and every one, capable of surprising you in ways brilliant and terrifying. There are so many mindfully crafted experiments that yield unsightly results, and so many more beautiful accidents. Be patient, be mindful, and take notes (I’m so bad at this one) – but have a sense of humor (better at this!).

To introduce this first chapter of Thoughtforms I want to take a moment to thank all of our guides toward creating art and honoring the magic of color.

• Thank you to Winona Quigley and the team at Green Matters for encouraging a pair of silly color-admiring fools to go for it. Thank you for listening to our hair-brained schemes, allowing our dog to run laps around the studio, and humoring our boyish sense of humor. Thank you for access to the most perfect dye studio in the world and the expansive space to f*** around and find out.

• Thank you to the Emma Fox, non hierarchical leader of The Wild Ride Collective, for helping me personally unlock my creative confidence. Emma excitedly encouraged me to confront ~the shadows within~ that doubted I was an artist. Thank you for the container to express without judgement.

• Thank you to Polly Apfelbaum for sending us on our first natural dye quest to Katrina’s workshop, and for showing us both that color itself is an entity to be showcased and adored.

• Thank you Stuart Yankell for the mentorship as we begin our journey into the art market. You inspired us to set out on this journey and have been extremely generous through the process.

• Thank you of course to the plants that gift us fiber & color to work with. We recognize you as the artist and we as your medium, and are grateful to act as a channel for what expressions you can share with us.

A final thank you to you for following us along this journey. I am so excited to share some behind-the-scenes aspects of our making, as the process is truly where the magic happens.

In the words of my elementary school art teacher – Don’t talk about it, Do it!

Talk soon.

xxx

bixa.