Diasporic Decorative Dyeing: Stitch Resist

objective

Indigo dyeing is a persistent culturally relevant practice associated with indigenous groups all around the world. Globally, indigo craft coincides with the prevalence of native and non-native indigo-producing plants (typically around the Equator). This workshop explores stitch resist techniques (using needle and thread) to create decoration. We will analyze and apply stitch resist techniques, specifically the ndop from the Bamileke people of Cameroon and uri nui shibori technique from Japan, to create decoration on a bandana and/or other textile items brought from home. 

This workshop captures three themes: 

1. Design as a driver for social change, awareness, curiosity, and solidarity through creation of collaborative beauty.
2. Healing communities through analogous indigenous craft techniques as a way to foster mutual respect between cultures. 
3. An exploration of craft as a disruption to the techno-capitalistic cycle of production: decolonizing the body through art practices connected to the natural world. Using your hands to make something beautiful.

about host

Rachael Louise Elliott is a Brooklyn-based multi-disciplinary designer, artist, and researcher. She is the founder and creative director of Studio Senjeh, a multidisciplinary design studio working on exhibition design, furniture, interiors, textiles, and objects. The studio creates spaces and objects driven by curiosity, craft, technology, nostalgia, and heritage. She is currently a resident with the Bandung Residency based in NYC where she is researching natural indigo dyeing traditions across Black and Asian communities. 

This is a project of the Bandung Residency presented by the Asian American

Arts Alliance (A4) and The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts

(MoCADA). It is made possible through the NYS AAPI Community Fund; the Ford

Foundation; the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs with the support of NYC

Council Members Crystal Hudson, Christopher Marte, Chi Ossé, and Sandra

Ung; the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development; and Apicha

Community Health Center.

whats included

• Cotton Bandanas
• Natural dye vats (5L x 2)
• Dyeing technique mini-zine

what to bring

• Small natural-fiber items that you wish to dye.

disclaimer

• Indigo dye may stain hands but will wash out in time (usually the next day). 
• Be careful of white clothing and shoes