Class Title Indigo Katazome: Reflections on Fabric
Chinatsu Nagamune
Indigo Dyer & Textile Designer
Class Description
Students will make their own design using a technique called Katazome — a traditional Japanese textile process that uses rice resist paste and hand carved paper stencils to create patterns. Students will also explore the basic process of indigo dyeing with using the katazome technique: Rice paste is pushed through the stencil onto fabric and dipped in an indigo vat. Humans have been expressing themselves through textiles for thousands of years. From tapestries, to altar clothes, to ceremonial garments, we share a living relationship with fabric. Through conversation with our materials, we will explore how to create meaningful textiles using symbols, mark making, and indigo dyeing. Students will work with two pieces of 12” x 16” fabric (to be provided). The finished piece-- which is a reflection of the materials and yourself— can serve multiple purposes: wall hanging, altar cloth, wrapping for precious objects, crafting materials, and many other possibilities.
*This workshop will be open to anyone regardless of whether or not you’ve already taken previous classes with Chinatsu. A SPECIAL NOTE: Chinatsu's Indigo dyeing class can be taken twice during the weekend. Thursday will be her standard class for anyone new to Indigo dyeing and anyone who has never worked with Chinatsu before, or past students who want/need a refresher. We are referring to the Thursday class as the 101 Class. On Friday, students who took the workshop on Thursday, or those who have taken the rice resist workshop at previous retreats are welcome take a second day to expand their ideas and explore the dyeing process more deeply. Students taking Chinatsu's workshop for the first time, are also welcome to sign up for the second day.
What students will learn: • How to make the rice resist paste. • How to design/cut a stencil • How to print with the stencil on fabrics and dip them in an indigo vat Supply List:
ALL materials will be provided.
Students are encouraged to:
bring an apron (not required)
wear comfortable clothes
bring inspiration from your daily life for a small size stencil design (i.e. designs, patterns,
markings, etc.).
Kit Fee: $25 USD Your kit fee will be due to the teacher at the start of class. It is easier if you bring cash in the exact amount of the fee. About Chinatsu: Chinatsu Nagamune was born and raised in Tokyo and is the dyer for codo ceramics + textiles. For the last 15 years, Chinatsu has been a freelance graphic designer and slowly shifted into textile design and production. After a long journey through India and Japan, studying with and being inspired by many amazing dyers, she can now be found in a studio surrounded by the woods and animals in Western Massachusetts. Her focus is making objects that are used on a daily basis and sharing opportunities to appreciate the beauty of weathering and decay.