Diasporic Decorative Dyeing Techniques

About the Facilitators

Rachael Louise Elliott is a Brooklyn-based multi-disciplinary designer, artist, 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. 

Objective

This workshop explores indigenous craft techniques used in Black and Asian cultures to create decoration on naturally dyed textiles, specially indigo dyed textiles. It is not necessarily a workshop focused on the chemistry or upkeep of a natural dye vat, nor will it focus on the chemistry of dyeing. The workshop will journey through the various decorations, patterns, and techniques seen across key cultures in Asia and West Africa in creating culturally important textiles dyed in indigo. A small zine will be distributed to illustrate techniques applied during the dyeing event and for further research/trial outside of the workshop. 

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.  

What's Included

• 1x Cotton Bandana 
• Natural dye vats 
• Dyeing technique mini-zine

Disclaimer

For the safety of our community, we would like to kindly remind all participants that masks are encouraged at indoor workshops and going forward, the FM team will have masks available at all programs. In lieu of flu season and the ongoing pandemic, we ask that if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms of illness, please refrain from attending. Your consideration helps foster a more comfortable and accessible environment.

We will be sharing tea and snacks between 2-3 PM at One Love Community Fridge Studio, stick around for a day of dyeing!