Westbound Color

Ghost Ranch, Abiqu, New Mexico, 2010.

We arrived safely home by the grace of good luck by midnight on Friday 13th August. We were greeted by a slap of intense heat, no rain for over six weeks and counting, and our warm fuzzy dog and cat. Here's a small sampling of collected colors along the way. 

Sonoma Coast Beach,

California, 2010.

Madrone Bark,

Oregon, 2010.

Being my first adventure to California, our journey west is a cherished experience. We drove through multiple sections of New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Colorado, arriving back into Oklahoma through the panhandle.

Northern California

Coastal Vegetation, 2010.

Eucalyptus Bark detail, 2010.

We had glimpses and long observations of wild horses, pronghorn, wild burros, fox, bald eagles, harbor seals, and jackrabbits. The spirits of the Redwood Forests have come home with us.

We were fell asleep to the sound of the ocean, hypnotically being pulled in, savoring the smell of the salty air. In Nevada we saw a FULL DOUBLE rainbow after an early morning storm. A few nights were hosted by generous friends. The mornings were chilly, the food delicious.

Wildflowers at Rabbit

Ear's Pass, Colorado, 2010.

Complementary Grass, 2010.

Poison Oak,

Coastal California, 2010.

I filled 37 quart jars with botanicals, most of which will never be found in Oklahoma, but they were of great abundance in their coastal and mountain homes.

Funky Botanics,

San Francisco Botanical

Garden, 2010.

Open Gifts, Northern California, 2010.

The Power of Neutral

Mushroom, 2010.

The power of Neutrals lies in their ability to support color. Without Neutrals we would quickly tire of bright colors. Texture gives Neutrals visual interest. 

Cedar Shingles, 2010.

Circle Rock, Nikiski, Alaska, 2009.

The element for Neutrals is Earth. Neutrals also provide protection such as camouflage or the “safe” color to paint your house. But, a backdrop of Neutrals can dramatically shift the intensity of the other hues in the environment. Then the combinations have potential to be interesting and exciting. 

New Mexico Winter, 2009.

Energyscape #2362,

Cook Inlet, Alaska, 2009.

Neutrals are more often associated with sadness, dreariness, or gloom. They have the power to represent uncertainty like the “gray areas” when we are not clear about what action to take next. Institutional gray holds negative Neutral power and there are many other examples of Neutrals being used to dull one’s environment. They literally suck the life out of more vibrant settings. 

The Aristocrat, Arkansas, 2009.

Yet Neutrals also have the power to bring something to life, giving it context and structure. With the infinite values of brown, gray, white, and black, there are many possibilities for creating an expressive platform of palettes.

Garden Snake, 2010.

Raccoon tracks in sand, Buffalo River, 2010.

descriptive words:

bone, ivory, buff, mushroom, chestnut,  stone, wicker, taupe, khaki, drab, sandstone, soft, classic, creamy, eggshell, beige, earthy, sandy, woodsy, basic, mute.

Whale Bone detail, 2009.

Chicken Coop Door, 2009.

inspirations:

wood,  stoneware, driftwood, fossils, rocks, wool, paper, cashmere, straw, biscuits, nutmeg, spices, seeds, barks, dried leaves, baked bread, grasses, concrete, shells, bones, sponges, oatmeal, grains, garlic, onions, mushrooms.

Homegrown Garlic, 2009.

Homegrown Shiitake, 2009.

feelings:

restful, dormant, uncomplicated, quiet, rustic or refined, thick, heavy, light, airy, wisdom, soft, classic, durable, enduring quality, mature, practical, warmth or coolness,  stormy, noncommittal, timelessness.

Door with White Trim,

New Mexico, 2009.

Color Collecting on the Road

Numbered Jars in Wooden Boxes, 2009.

As we prepared for a month long road trip last summer I knew that it would be challenging to continue working while traveling. This is the time for creative collecting, helping to usher in the flow of new ideas and rejuvenate my energy. The camera is always at my side as I collect images of colors, textures, patterns, and other various oddities; I keep excessive notes about ideas ruminating and incubating in my head, but I was still seeking another method for gathering my experiences...

Processed Color Collection, 2009.

Eco Colour, by Australian Artist India Flint, is steeped with a wealth of adventurous methods and ideas; this was the initial inspiration I needed to get my mind out of its box, into jars, and into the VW Camper van for our road trip EAST. My husband knew I was up to something which surely involved loading the VW with MORE STUFF. The jars were quietly loaded, 6 quarts arranged in each wooden box. We traveled through 25 states, drove 5500 miles, and visited 55 people! We collected plant material along the way, documenting numbers, names, places, people, water sources, materials, everything. 

Three Processed Jars, 2009.

Each jar marked a specific experience with place and plants. The spirit of the project unfolded when the jars of collected color were processed in a hot water bath two months after our return.  Jar by jar the colors poured out. Some were quite beautiful, others quite dull. As a whole they are a map of our journey. This method for color collecting has become a routine practice, renewing my appreciation for the serendipity of natural color; it is a process full of delight and wonder and unexpected markings. 

Sorting Jars and Cloth, 2009.

Color Collection was part of the Eye Dazzler’s Exhibit at Convergence 2010 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Then we head west with more jars...

Colors of "Cuties"

Chicago Clementines, 2008.

Orange is synonymous with citrus fruits. In full hue Orange is loud. It reigns in our attention. Yet, more somber orange colors are sad and dull. Lighter values of Orange, although brilliant in hue, make lovely peaches and they are a very sweet color. The many earthy Orange colors, such as terra cotta, are associated with harvest and represent balanced, calm, stable environments.

Owen's Door, 2009.

Ludgate Farms, Ithaca, 2009.

Pine Bark Detail,

 Cemetery, Gloucester, MA, 2009.

Orange is the second longest wavelength in the light spectrum. Two primary colors, Red and Yellow are combined to make Orange, one of three secondary colors in the standard color wheel. The shape for Orange is the trapezoid; Red is a square, Yellow is a triangle, combined they form a trapezoid.

Energyscape #6959, 2009.

Orange is the color of the second chakra, the Sacral or Belly chakra, the center of the body that holds emotions. Activating the center, Orange sets the center into action. The belly chakra has layers of energy associated with stimulating emotions, impressions, sexuality and fertility. The Feng Shui element for Orange is fire.

Energyscape #1272, 2009.

In China vermilion, a bright red pigment, was produced by heating mercury and sulphur to form Mercuric sulphide. Although toxic to produce, natural cinnabar was even more expensive to obtain and less reliable as a color than vermilion (McCloud, p.36). Vermilion continued to be used throughout the Middle Ages but is no longer used in artist materials due to its toxicity. Arsenic trisulphide (yellow) is extremely poisonous but in ancient times these two compounds were combined, making Oranges hues.

Unidentified Mushroom, Cemetery, 

Gloucester, MA, 2009.

Traditional Orange pigments are various ochres and cadmiums. Orange-red can even be obtained by dyeing with Cortinarious species mushrooms (Rice, p.23). Other natural Orange colors are traditionally derived from Rubia tinctoria, madder root, and Thelesperma gracile, known as kota tea or Navajo tea, used by Native American natural dyers. Orange can also be achieved by the combination of other yellow and red natural dyes.

Lichens on Rock,

Buffalo River, Arkansas, 2009.

descriptive words for orange:

activity, radiant, proud, external, fun, whimsical, glowing, friendly, energizing, fruity, expansive, tangy, maximum, abundant, luscious, sexy, juicy, safety, hazardous, warning, playful.

Cooper-Hewitt

National Design Museum,

NYC, 2009.

Staten Island Ferry, 2009.

orange inspirations:

oranges, pumpkins, apricots, tangerines, mandarins, clementines, annatto, terra cotta pots, bricks, firelight, sunsets, harvest, peaches, nectarines, coral, mangoes, persimmons, butternut squash, nasturtiums, butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), autumn leaves, rust, iron, sweet potatoes, marigolds, poisonous Amanitaceae family mushrooms, Northern Oriole (Icterus galbula), marmalade, Halloween, lava.

Iris, Chalet Garden, 2009.

orange represents:

Orange is the sacred color of Buddhist religion for their “saffron robes”,  representing fire and the burning of the ego and personal desire. Orange also represents cultural traditions, self assurance, self respect, safety or hazard, road signs, construction, happiness, vitality, heat, life force, strength, clear mind, sociability, liveliness, motivation, passion, and it is good for learning environments.

Clevia Blooms, 2009.

Bibliography/Oklahoma Tinctoria Library Thing:
Bryan, Nonabah G., Young, Stella. Navajo Native Dyes: Their Preparation and Use. Dover, Mineola, 2002 (originally published 1978).
McCloud, Kevin. Kevin McCloud's Complete Book of Paint and Decorative Techniques. Simon & Schuster, New York, 1996. 
Rice, Miriam. Mushrooms for Color. Mad River Press, Eureka, 1980.


Learn about Orioles: http://www.orioles.org/

EGGSTONES

Eggstone Platter, 2010.

The celebration of Spring is thought to be one of the oldest cultural rituals. These Spring celebrations often include dyeing eggs. Eggs are the symbol for rebirth, renewal of life and the possibility for growth. Colored eggs were offered to the goddess Easter during the Vernal Equinox. The dyed eggs were often placed on graves as a charm or symbol of rebirth. 

The word Easter is derived from the ancient word “eastre”, meaning spring. The goddess Easter/Oestre celebrates the Vernal Equinox, representing the sunrise, springtime, fertility and renewal of life. The Vernal Equinox is the transition from the dormancy of Winter to the life giving fertile season of Spring. 

Eggstones, various colors, 2009.

Dyeing eggs is a fun activity. Each egg is unpredictable in its own marks, mottles, smears, lines and spots (thank you chickens) which are further enhanced by our intentional and serendipitous marks. Natural dyes create a harmonious palette, complimenting any Spring celebration. Most natural dyes used to color eggs are common pantry ingredients, including spices, foods, wines, flowers, and teas. Dyeing eggs during Spring is festive, cheerful and colorful! 

Grid of Colored Eggs, 2009.

Common Easter egg dye is a form of synthetic food coloring. The chemical that does the dyeing is a molecule which gives the dye its color and bonds it to the eggshell. These now “traditional” egg dyes are rather garish in their colors. But, using natural sources to dye eggs offers many color possibilities and combinations.

Logwood and Red Wine Eggstones, 2009.

Logwood purple, fustic and quebracho red are tree sources, imparting soft or strong purples, golden yellow brown and pastel pink respectively. Cochineal is the time honored red dye derived from cochineal insects but on eggs creates a pale pink or a deep eggplant. Derived from the roots of the madder plant, eggs dye a deep brown with a reddish cast. Pomegranate is derived from the rinds of pomegranate fruits, casting an olive hint in its yellow hue. Green tea makes a clear light lemon yellow and black tea is deceivingly wood like in its appearance. Red cabbage transitions to various shades of blue in a cold soak. Coffee makes a light mocha and chamomile tea a lovely tan. Red wine's mysterious crystalizing effect adds sparkle. Turmeric and curry create a range of mellow yellows. Double dipping creates very unusual colors. 

Eggstones (cochineal, logwood), 2008.

Various egg preparations expand the range of color from a single dye. Wash and rinse eggs well to remove any oils and residues. For long term use, either blow out the eggs or hard boil for a minimum of two hours. Allow the hard boiled eggs to continue to “dry out” after they are dyed. Eventually, you will be able to gently shake the egg and hear the dried yolk inside. Eggs can be boiled in water or in a water/white vinegar solution. Vinegar removes the outer membrane of the egg, giving some dyes a dramatic color shift, such as cochineal & logwood purple. Let the eggs cool in the pan, gently extract and rinse, and place on a towel to air dry. Make sure not to change temperatures suddenly. 

Shibori Eggstones, 2009.

Some mark making supplies include rubber bands, nylon stockings for holding  things in place, electrical or masking tape, beeswax & tjaunting tool, crayons, lace, fresh grasses, flowers and leaves or whatever else you can think of. Additional color variations can be achieved by varying  the dyeing time. When an egg is placed in a dye solution, the dye bonds itself to the eggshell. When the dye is more concentrated or the egg is left to soak for a longer time, more dye bonds to the egg, resulting in a deeper color. Dyeing eggs with natural dyes usually requires extended soaking times.

Onion Skins boiling with eggs, 2010.

Some dyestuffs require boiling such as brazilwood, red cabbage or onion skins. Generally, boil the dye stuff material about thirty minutes and allow to cool. Either strain the liquid or leave dye stuff in the bowl and place eggs in the container. The cold dip method is convenient for extended soaking times. Gently lift eggs out of bowl with slotted spoon, tap dry with a towel so the dye does not “pull” on the drying rack, leaving a ring at the base of the egg. Some dyes may rub off more easily than others. 

Boiled Red Cabbage, 2009.

Once the eggs are thoroughly dry they can be brushed with mineral oil. I love this process because the mineral oil brings out the natural colors and imparts a lovely sheen to the egg. For me this is the point when the eggs transition to EGGSTONES. They become even more mystical in their various shapes and color. 

Eggstones, 2009.

Mineral oil does not go rancid like vegetable oils. But, I have applied mineral oil to freshly hard-boiled eggs only to discover the mineral oil blistering because the egg was still sweating; so be sure the eggs are thoroughly dried before applying it. The natural colored eggs can be stored in paper egg cartons in a cool, dark place. Eggs will continue drying so it is important not to store them in plastic. 

Blue Speckled Egg (red cabbage), 2009.

Blues: Red Cabbage Leaves (boiled & cooled), Purple Grape Juice

Browns & Beige & Mocha: Strong Coffee (light mocha), Instant Coffee, Black Walnut Shells (boiled), Black Tea Leaves, Dill Seeds, Chili Powder, Chamomile Tea (lovely tan)

Greenish Yellow: Spinach Leaves (boiled), Liquid Chlorophyll

Grays and Lavender: Purple or red grape juice or beet juice, Red Wine (sit 24 hours-forms crystals), logwood purple

Orange Browns: Yellow Onion Skins (boiled), Carrots, Paprika, Madder Extract (deep chocolate w/vinegar eggs), Fustic liquid extract or shavings

Pink & Reds: Madder Root (long, slow cook), Beets, Juice from Pickled Beets, Quebracho Red Natural extract (soft pink), Cochineal (pale pink with baking soda), Brazilwood shavings

Violets & Purples & Eggplant: Red Onions Skins (boiled), Cochineal (distilled water, eggs boiled in water/vinegar), Logwood purple extract (deeper w/vinegar eggs)

Yellows: Carrot Tops (boiled), Green Tea (light lemon yellow), Ground Turmeric & Curry powder, Saffron, Marigolds, Pomegranate extract(olive cast).

Light Value Eggstones, 2009.

Egg & Nest is a beautiful book full of the unique marks that birds make on their own eggs:

Purcell, Rosamond, Hall, Linnea S., Corado, Rene. Egg & Nest. Belknap Press of Harvard, University Press, 2008.

Madder and Onion Skin Eggstones, 2010.