Dipping my toe into Natural Dyes for a Modern Material

To say I’m pleased would be a huge understatement…I am absolutely thrilled to have received a grant from Arts Council England and the National Lottery to undertake a Research and Development project, exploring alternative ways to colour un-sealed anodised aluminium.

Over four months I will be running a material led investigation into natural colourants for anodised aluminium. My aim is to reach a point where I can step away from synthetic and solvent colourants, and develop a more local and traceable supply chain for colourants. Creating a healthier studio practice for myself and within my teaching. 

This project represents a radical progression for my work. While I have mastered the application of colour and decoration for anodised aluminium for over twenty years, I’ve never before been the creator of the colourant itself. I’ll be collaborating with specialist dye expert and researcher, Deb Bamford, and together we’re hoping to bridge the gap between heritage dye-craft and modern metallurgy. 

I’m under no illusion that this journey will be straightforward. Colouring paper and fabric using natural dyes is well established, whereas anodised aluminium is a completely different animal with many quirks and characteristics which could throw up challenges along the way. However, I’m excited to see where it takes me and my practice.  In my next entry I’ll explain a bit more about the metal I work with, how it’s created, and some of its characteristics.

Ultimately I am looking to use natural colour within jewellery and sculpture to record moments in time and geographical locations. It feels a way off at the moment but I’m itching to get started with natural colourants and I’m looking forward to sharing some of my discoveries and observations, both highs and lows, in this Field Journal.

Sign up to my newsletter to hear when the next Field Journal entry arrives.