FIBER COLLEGE

Welcome to the wonderful world of natural color! Immerse yourself in the coastal landscape of Penobscot Bay through flora, minerals, and natural materials during this hands-on retreat at Fiber College of Maine. Dive into the interconnected realm of making with colors from nature with artist and educator Katama Murray of Teach Peace Prints.

Natural pigments dwell within ordinary, everyday objects (such as kitchen waste), as well as geology and plant life, and hold vast potential for creativity. Shades of pigments vary depending on location, the time of year, process utilized, and materials employed. During this retreat, students will learn a set of skills to sustainably forage, coax, dye, paint, write, and print with organic pigments from the campground and local region. Multiple printmaking and fiber art methods will be introduced and experienced throughout the class, all of which are centered around place-based inspiration with respect for the Earth. Students will engage in meditative making and be encouraged to settle into stillness while surrounded by the beauty of the area.

Natural dyeing is an ancient textile process that has been practiced for thousands of years around the world and across diverse cultures. The basics of mordanting (pretreatment) for natural dyeing will jumpstart the class into the exciting variety of techniques to utilize botanical and mineral colors. After an introduction to this process, students will recycle materials by creating concentrated lake pigments, inks, and a seasonally inspired watercolor palette to create with on the go. Time will be allotted for outdoor exploration and contemplation, integrating opportunities to further connect to the space and practice creative writing amongst the wonders of Searsport Shores. Participants will learn techniques for mordant/oxide printing onto their dyed fabrics and paper using everyday objects that hold visual intrigue.

Using the paints, printing surfaces, and dyes created and foraged throughout this workshop, students will create an assortment of samples, experiments, garments, and tools for making to archive the experience. Students will stitch and fold handmade books to record and hold their samples, as well as integrate natural elements and inspiration into their book forms. These different book art techniques will allow further exploration with the materials at hand, and will encapsulate the time and place through this collaboration with nature. Join us to create beautiful, one of a kind pieces that can be admired forever, while taking time to slow down and appreciate the richness and diversity of color dwelling along side us throughout every season.