I had started my blog Lost in Colours with an intention to raise awareness of the environmental issues involved in art materials and to provide non-toxic, low-impact solutions. Hopefully, I can be more regular in sharing not only my insights on this topic but also my struggles and joy of creating sustainable art! To date, I had only been using pigments from Earth in my daily art practice. I began foraging for natural pigments from plants last year after being…
Each season unfurls its own unique palette of colors, showcasing nature’s ever-changing artistry. As the autumn season unfolds, the surroundings have turned into a canvas adorned with vibrant hues. There was a time when I simply marveled at the transition of colors from season to season without much thought about the chemistry of plant pigments. It changed, however, when I discovered the exciting realm of creating my own natural pigments and inks, with plants playing an important role. I initially…
Paper is a versatile medium produced by mechanically or chemically processing cellulose fibers extracted from wood, fabric rags, grasses, or other plant sources in water. The water is then drained through a fine mesh to leave the fiber evenly distributed on the surface, followed by couching, pressing, and drying. There are many different types of papers available today. The range of papers that work well with water- and alcohol-based natural inks is too vast for this article to explore. In…
In June 2019, I released my first post about creating natural inks. Since then, I’ve explored, experimented, and optimized my ink-making formulas using various natural substances. I have learned much about this ancient means of communication. Ink is far more sophisticated than we realize! What is Ink? There are certainly as many definitions of ink as there are varieties. The most basic definition is that ink is a colored liquid or semi-liquid material used for writing, printing, or drawing. Chemists…
Explore the art of capturing nature’s colours using plant pigments, an easy and conscious way to interact with the outdoors and create your own colour palette. In the quiet corners of our surroundings lies an untapped treasure trove: nature’s own vibrant palette. Imagine wandering through a lush garden, city parks or along a forest trail, where each leaf, bark, and petal holds its own unique hue, inviting us to pause, discover, and connect with something timeless. I recently rediscovered a…
Not long ago, I ventured out to forage for Japanese Knotweed roots, a perfect endeavour on a chilly day as I sought respite from sports and craved exploration amidst the cold, grey winter landscape. While I had previously experimented with extracting colors from the leaves and stems of Japanese Knotweed during summers, my curiosity was piqued after delving into some research articles. This time, I was eager to dig deeper, quite literally, and uncover the potential for color extraction from…
In the winter season here in the Northern Hemisphere, where the plant life is dormant, nature unveils a serene and peaceful beauty. While some may be reluctant to venture out in the cold and gray, if, like me, you have a fondness for the outdoors regardless of the season, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover numerous plant sources. These can be harnessed to create beautiful, long-lasting Natural Inks and, perhaps, Botanical Pigments. Within this article, I am divulging some…
Thank you for taking the time to peruse my blog. I am delighted to offer you a cordial invitation to join my exclusive and engaging Masterclass Webinar titled “Botanical Dyes, Pigments, Inks, Cultivation, and Foraging.” Delve into the captivating world of botanical colours, unveiling nature’s extraordinary range of hues. Empower yourself to create sustainable botanical pigments, elevating your artistic creations. With engaging slides and insightful discussions, this seminar opens the door to remarkable possibilities in natural pigments. Experience the transformative…