The Study of Japanese Indigo

I first recognized this beautiful green plant as a little bit more than magical in 2014 when I visited an indigo textile shop in northern Thailand and it spoke to my very soul. You know when something pulls at your being a little and your desire to learn more, touch more starts budding?

it wasn’t until the summer of when I grew this

from seed to sprout to plant 

I nurtured this blue

knowing that I would have to wait until at the end of summer to alchemize. 

while I waited I was still able to see the fresh blue properties and connect with this plant. crushing the fresh leaf between my fingers, rubbing it into the fabric 

the earthen smell was intoxicating and unlike anything I’ve experienced before 

I wish I could bottle it up

but at least I was able to capture the fresh minty blue on silk and turn the green leaf into a magical blue pigment at the end of summer 

This is the study of Japanese indigo fresh leaf & pigment on:

• Raw silk

• Silk charmeuse 

• Linen

• On mat board with an unfinished frame and glass protector 

• 6.5x7”