Indigo is one of the world’s oldest natural dyes. This unique workshop takes the mystique out of working with indigo. We will see how vat dyeing is just one way of using indigo as we explore a range of techniques with which you can create your individual designs on various surfaces.

Initially we will make and dye with an Organic Indigo fermentation vat. We will then look beyond the vat and explore additional ways of how to use dry indigo pigment to make a range of sustainable art materials.

Over the five days you will learn to:

.  make an easily replicated 1-2-3 Organic Indigo Vat*

.  care for and maintain a healthy vat for long term use, including troubleshooting

.  use a range of Shibori techniques - clamping, creasing, folding, stitching,

binding and knotting to create beautiful and well-defined patterns

.  make and use clay resists

.  make inks, stains and paints with indigo for use on cloth, paper and wood

The workshop is designed to be a mix of formal tutorials, demonstrations and hands on experience, supported by extensive written notes. These include full instructions and recipes on how to make the sustainable art materials as well as references and sources for materials.

During the 5 days there will be plenty of time for you to experiment and discover your favorite ways of creating with indigo.

There will be a $90 Materials Fee payable on enrolment.

Although many materials will be supplied, you will also need to bring some additional supplies and materials.  A comprehensive Materials List will be supplied upon enrolment.

*Techniques and recipes from Michel Garcia, French Master Natural Dyer, natural dye historian and researcher and international teacher

In 2003 Jo moved from Melbourne to Nelson with her partner, artist David Ryan.  The move allowed her to establish herself as a contemporary fibre artist and educator.  By 2009 her primary focus was on natural dyeing, working with environmentally responsible practices and ecologically sustainable materials. In 2014 she put her love of indigo into practice and now works almost exclusively with indigo. She creates works on fabric and paper and makes her own sustainable art materials.

Jo has exhibited her work in 15 solo or group shows within New Zealand and overseas and been featured in numerous publications.

For the past 10 years she has also been a selector for the annual national fibre arts awards Changing Threads.