Blue like the Sea and the Sky
Blue like the Sea and the Sky
Just like the hands of an indigo artisan, the color of blue derived from the tade Japanese indigo plant is said to show its own variety. “Japan Blue” was coined in the 19th century by a British chemist as a catchall for the 48 different hues that can be produced from the sukumo dye. It is a remarkably versatile medium to work with, and I would like to introduce you to our fiber workshop studio in Stuart, Florida.
The Aya Fiber Studio is a cozy fiber studio located in Stuart, Florida. The owner, Suzanne Connors has been practicing the art of aizome indigo dyeing over the last 13 years and she opened the first dyeing workshop at the Fish House Art Center in Port Salerno back in 2014. The studio has recently moved to North Stuart, and is currently located at 170 NW Dixie Hwy. Suzanne produces stunning textiles, but the studio serves a secondary purpose as well. This goal is to educate locals and travelers alike in the ways of traditional japanese craft and other fiber art genres via LIVE studio workshops presented by renowned artists.
There are several common ways of performing the aizome dyeing process. One method uses hand cut katagami stencils to apply a thick dye-rice resistant paste to the fabric and then cover it with sawdust. Dipping this in dye leaves behind a design that maintains a high level of detail. This is called katazome. Another way to leave a design on the textile is to paint it on freehand using wax. This Japanese method of batik is called rozome
The most popular process for visitors at the Aya fiber Studio is called shibori and is remarkably like the tie-dyeing we have all seen. Strings or rubber bands are used to bind a folded cloth. Patterns are hand stitched. Some are even folded and clamped with wood blocks. The binding can be in applied in evenly spaced intervals, or in a more random approach with creative overlaps. All these methods will produce patterns on the cloth. An inexperienced dyer may not be able to correctly read the pattern that will be produced as they bind the fabric, so part of the fun is the element of surprise. Another is experiencing the magic of indigo!
Visitors to The Aya Fiber Studio Workshop can experience 1 to 5 day fiberart workshops. The studio offers shibori and indigo workshops monthly. After binding their cloth as they please, the dipping process begins. Submerging the bundle into a vat of indigo and kneading and squeezing it is a highly satisfying tactile experience. The first dip will turn the cloth a rich green color, but successive plunges push the color to a much darker hue. When the desired shade is achieved, the finishing process occurs. The dye is neutralized with a vinegar solution and then the textile is dried for you to take home.
Taking an aizome workshop at The Aya Fiber Studio is a great way to gain a hands-on appreciation for a unique Japanese craft. The studio also hosts natural dyeing, surface design, stitching and other textile workshops throughout the year and features a boutique gallery where you can buy all sorts of indigo dyed and art-to wear items in a large selection of hues. The Aya Fiber Studio Workshop remains one of most popular hands-on activities in Stuart as it appeals to students of all ages. Reserve your seats early as space is limited and space sells out fast!
https://www.ayafiberstudio.com/all-workshop-descriptions-and-registrations
