Blue

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While nearly all indigo produced today is synthetic, many people still practice the magical traditional dyeing methods which make it so special.


Naturally dyed indigo fabric is one of the most textiles due to its . It reflects light in a way that is very different from fabrics made with chemical indigo dyes.

A

of blues can be produced with natural indigo, a range not possible with chemical dyes.


Indigo is such a versatile dye that it can produce highly saturated levels of

that retreat inwards, and de-saturated that are open and expansive.


The properties of indigo dye remained

well into the 19th century.

It was perplexing how fabric soaked in an the air transformed into a beautiful

liquid could emerge into hue.


The dye was so

to work with that folklore arose around the process.

In Bhutan, pregnant women were not allowed near the dyeing vat in case the unborn babies

.

In Morocco, the only way to deal with a particularly challenging vat was to start telling

.

In Southern Arabia it warded off evil spirits. Â Indigo was smeared on bodies as a

.


In Egypt, an incantation while burning salt stained blue with indigo would appease spirits. In Africa, medicine men made widespread use of indigo, believing placing the dye on a child’s head would draw out worms.

The craftsmanship process of natural indigo dyeing seen today evolved from its rich history. Many artists are using indigo dye in unique and magical ways, creating enchanting blues that radiate personalities.


Louisa Boyd’s work is inspired by the world and its connection to man. She is fascinated by the innate human response to nature and combines an array of blues with glistening to show the spiritual side of nature.

Boyd works with wood and stone and is interested in the interaction that occurs between the materials she uses and symbols.


The work of Japanese fiber artist Shihoko Fukumoto shimmers in profound beauty. Her translucent materials combined with the rich, hues of her indigo dyes her fibers with an aura that of a mystical experience.

Fukumoto says, “Indigo is the color of my dreams. The characteristic of indigo is its hue, which has a highly spiritual element and beauty.�


uses

She uses the moon and a

by submerging photographic paper into rivers at night.

to create the exposure. Her images

other-worldly layers of meaning.

Her approach is experimental, a constant search for new cameraless methods of recording

Derges’s work takes on a metaphorical dimension that echoes the inner life of the

imagery.

and

.


expresses his passion in a . Each hue echoes a unique and profound emotion. Each creation evokes timeless serenity.

Boro is a textured fabric that has been produced for centuries by patching together pieces of indigo-dyed cotton and hemp in Japan.

The ancient art of natural indigo embraces the soul. Today, Fofana uses this blue magic, infusing it with a and a modern feel.

The hand-stitched recycled scraps create a

.


Indigo Dye is and . Its thick and chunky texture a vat like lava seeping from a volcano.

out of

Using painting, collage, and paper making, Takahiko Hayashi makes beautiful textured abstractions. Lines swirl and textures soften and modulate creating .. Hayashi seeps vibrant color in a spiritual world.


Indigo’s charm stems from the imaginative and whimsical feelings Dark Magic evokes. The magical hue concocts a dreamy midnight potion where make-believe creatures come out to play.


Textile artists create beautiful patterns on indigo dyed fabric. The patterns are alluring and intricate and enhance the mystique of indigo.


32529C

6787C4

90A3D3

A9B9DF

335084

5478B8

7698CB

A3B7D7

34475B

30446C

4E6886

7796B6

3953A3

2C2B45

272435

346A99

86A0B0

EAB466

D59F72

CFA77C

7E4855

7D5E5F

CC9DA7

F7B1C2

B3AEAC

CAC6C3

BCB2AF

C8B0AC

C6D5E6

11AA9B

2A513C

233C3D

54A094

99C6AC

AE82B3

B793AE

D3A9C4

202C42

354572

6279A2

A6BFE4

3D4751

58687F

6F8399

89919C

A4B3C5

7F489C

4D3765

392648

634C7A

906F9A

3F59A8

706FB3

BDAFD6

495B5C

677768

7E9A7D

D2E2B9

6E4836

8C5C34

976447

BE8C72

C5DEF3

C9DDF2

5879BA

A6BFE4

3A4B7D

88A2CB

2A3758

7D9ACF

202C42

6E4836

B3AEAC

8C5C34

58687F

976447

6F8399

BE8C72

89919C

BE8C72

83B7E2

163D62

426684

688AB3

9CBDE3

0D1236

1E2743

273B8F

4D6FB5

1F2244

343853

5D6682

6279A2

6E2F14

9A3420

C14126

C96028

0E1829

0F2235

1F3147

45505B

C67728

D88B27

E09D26

EDB159


The lure of indigo dye emanates from the enchanting hues it creates. Throughout time indigo has mystified and captivated cultures around the world. While predominantly used as a dye for fabric, today artists are using indigo in magical ways.


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