Registration Opens June 22 at 10am.

2015 Maiwa Textile Symposium

Workshop Natural Dyes - Print and Paint

Danielle Bush & Sophena Kwon

$350 includes 100 lab fee

November 17, 18, 19 - Class Limit 14

Maiwa East: 1310 Odlum Drive, Vancouver BC

The ability to thicken natural dyes, tannins, and mordants opens up possibilities for creating designs on fabric that are simply not possible with immersion dyeing. Learning the art of mixing natural dyes extends this potential into new realms.

We will study the techniques of preparing natural dyes and mordants so that they can be used for direct application. The workshop will combine hand-painting with printing techniques such as blockprinting, stamping, and stenciling. Thickened dyes will be used to explore design, layout, repetition, and overlaying techniques. Students will complete original works of art on both silk and cotton fabrics. 

During this three-day workshop, students will learn how to create concentrated natural colour from raw plant material. In addition, we will explore the diverse palette of prepared dye extracts. We will work through colour mixing, formulating the perfect consistency for painting, printing, or stenciling. Students will learn how to properly set the colour for longevity. 

Instructor Bio

Danielle Bush is the manager of Maiwa Supply. Her career in textiles began with sewing and fashion studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. Upon completing courses in design, drawing, drafting, and construction, she was accepted to Maiwa Handprints to do a week-long practicum in the textiles collection. In her words, “It changed my life.” 

Since 2011 Danielle has developed and taught workshops for the Maiwa Textile Symposium.  In 2009 Danielle represented Maiwa at the International Shibori Conference held in France and in 2011 she was a facilitator for the Maiwa Natural Dye Master Class taught by Michel Garcia in Bengal, India. Danielle has a deep understanding and aptitude for dye techniques and creative process. Together with Sophena Kwon, Danielle travels to India each year where she helps manage the Maiwa studio.

Sophena Kwon has grown up with Maiwa as a family business. In 2009 she studied with Michel Garcia in France; in 2010 and 2011 she assisted with natural dye workshops in Peru and India. In 2013 Sophena assisted in natural dye troubleshooting at the Living Blue Cooperative in Bangladesh. Since 2012 she has been co-teaching with Charllotte Kwon and has helped deliver workshops at the Penland School of Craft, Canandaigua, and Shakerag.

In addition to her natural dye work, Sophena is a skilled photographer and clothing designer. Sophena travels each year with Maiwa to work with artisans throughout India