Explore the magical transformation of Tayum also known as Indigo. This dye plant is typically associated with dye practices out of India and Japan but there is a rich dye culture in the Philippines dating back to the pre-colonial era. In this workshop you will learn how to do basic resist patterns and how to bring the blue color out of a green plant while celebrating Filipinix/a/o American History Month!

Did you know that the capital city of the Archipelago of the Philippines named Manilla translates to "Where the Indigo comes from"? In this workshop, artist Jamie Cardenas will share as much information, research and tips as possible. This workshop is equal parts art and getting in touch with your senses. Watch the colors transform and play with incredible plant magic in the form of Indigo! All materials will be provided. Please pack snacks or a lunch as we will be working through the afternoon. You will also be provided with a vat recipe to try on your own and resources to continue your own dye practice. Indigo vat dying is an old practice of extracting the color blue from the Indigo plant.

This workshop considers the cultural and geographical significance of the color blue. The color blue is both a color and a feeling; it elicits a very emotional response in humans, much like the pull to look at the deep blue ocean, or up at the beautiful sky. There’s a connection. Our main goal with sharing this craft is to revive this old practice and connect community to the art and culture of the past. We hope this workshop plants a seed of celebrating both ancestral brilliance and more sustainable approaches to textile art.

Research & Re-membering: Tayum - a Filipinx American Diasporic Indigo Workshop