Workshop: Mark Making & Batik (Resist) Dyeing with Lena Corwin

Join us for a mark making & batik dyeing workshop led by Bay Area artist Lena Corwin in celebration of the launch of "CLOTH, 100 Artists".

About this Event

In celebration of the launch of Lena Corwin’s book CLOTH, 100 Artists, published by Abrams Books. Together with painter & textile designer Jen Garrido (Affiliate Artist 2003, 2004). With assistance from artist and psychotherapist Amber Cady.

In this workshop, we will begin in a circle looking at examples of resist dyed fabric while talking about its use historically in cultures worldwide. Batik and tie dye grew in popularity in the Bay Area during the 1970s and was an influence on Lena Corwin, as a young person growing up near Haight Street in San Francisco. Resist techniques like batik have been a source of joy and passion in her varied work with cloth.

Painter and textile designer Jen Garrido is known for her signature style of brush marks, which she translates into screen printed and overdyed textiles. Her art practice and textile work remain in active dialogue—each one reflecting and expanding the other—held together by a shared commitment to bold and bright color, rhythm, and the pleasure of visual harmony. Jen will lead attendees in her method of painting with black ink on white paper, as an exercise to warm up to using wax resist on fabric.

Lena will subsequently lead attendees in applying melted wax to squares of cloth, using 2 different methods: stamping and brushing. Next, the fabric will be dyed, with a choice of 2 different dye bath colors. Folks will take home their dyed fabric in a bag to rest overnight, with instructions for how to wash out and remove the wax– for their finished results which can be used as cloth napkins. We will end in a quick circle again, sharing thoughts on the workshop experience, and answering any final questions.

Amber Cady will be an extra set of hands, helping attendees throughout the workshop. Amber works with various techniques including painting and sewing. Creative practices have been a vital force of generativity in her life and have taken many forms, including dance, painting, sculpture, video, improv, and playing with sound.Although we will be working with wax and dye, workshop attendees are unlikely to get splattered. However, folks are encouraged to bring an apron or button-down painter’s shirt if they are concerned about keeping their clothing mess-free. All materials will be provided.

Lena Corwin’s book CLOTH, 100 Artists will be available for sale during the workshop.

A Sunday Supper in the Mess Hall will follow at 6PM. Lena Corwin and collaborators will be in attendance.

Tickets:

Workshop Only: General Admission $150 | Members $135

Combo (Workshop & Supper): General Admission $235 | Members $210

Maximum 4 tickets per order. Interested in our Members Ticket price? Visit our Give page to join, or contact Kristina Graber to learn more at a2dyYWJlciB8IGhlYWRsYW5kcyAhIG9yZw==.

The workshop will be held in the Westwing space on the second floor of Building 944 , which is accessible only by stairs.

Photo by Lena Corwin.

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