The Art of the Vat: Foundational Indigo Dyeing

Indigo dyeing is a practice that has inspired generations. That cultures all around the world discovered the rare plants that grew near them with the potential for blue and then figured out the means to transfer that blue to fiber is a wonder. During this workshop participants will build and dye with a few different styles of natural indigo vats. We will explore the chemistry of what makes a vat work, and how to troubleshoot and care for a vat over its lifetime. Participants will gain confidence and skills to work with indigo.

Iris Sullivan Daire is an artist and naturalist dyer who uses site specific pigments and dyes to add new layers of meaning to the narrative of her work. She relishes using science, metaphor and story to bring the materials to life while teaching.

Iris lives with her family next to the Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon. She grows traditional dye plants and has been quietly mapping the hidden colors contained within the native and invasive plants of the North Oregon Coast. She holds a BFA in fiber arts from University of Oregon and has been teaching for over 20 years.

• Note taking supplies

• Apron

• Gloves for working (like Surgical gloves)

• Face mask for measuring powders

• Handouts

• Cloth prepared for dyeing

• Vessels for indigo vats

• Rinsing tubs

• A selection of tools to aid in dyeing

• Drying racks and lines

• Long gloves for using vats