Artisan Ink
Left: Madder pigment. Right: ground madder root rubia cordifolia.
Any natural colourant that will successfully dye mordanted cloth can be used to make an ink or a lake pigment. This simple insight opens the door to the world of artisan ink making. The process is incredibly satisfying as it combines elements of science, chemistry, botany, experimentation and exploration. My work with inks grew out of my research into natural dyes and my profound love of books, journals, and writing. In my teaching I often give inky insights in the context of natural dyes and textiles.
Photographic documentation of ink production and experimentation can be found on my instagram feed at @artisan_ink (see the bottom of this page).
Over time I will also post some of those insights here.
Each year I do a special small-run batch of ink and work in collaboration with an artisan vessel maker. That project is called INK TAKES SHAPE.
Read about my relationship with maiwa and natural dyes or read my full bio here.
Making a madder lake pigment from powdered madder root.
