NOLA Love Presentation

I’m inspired by people and places. So, my June Natural Dye Challenge is a handmade acknowledgment and tribute to people and places that bless and inspire me. I’m using Indigenous Geechee Gullah Low Country techniques taught to me on Daniel Hill and East Wilson, NC, by Mattie (Yat) Randolph. Additional teachings occurred in South Carolina from Mary (Momma Mary) Burnette in Georgetown and from my mother’s father’s grandmother on Johns Island, whom I knew as Grand Mere. I learned to use other natural dyes, such as onion skins, black walnuts, and wildflowers, from my Tuscarora mother and grandmother.

I’ll be dyeing wool to stitch, inspired by my meeting a shepherdess, Keisha Cameron, and her husband, Warren, and participating in the first BAAG (Black Agrarian Arts Gathering) Retreat at High Hog Farm in 2025. I will dye silk scarves to sell. The idea for organizing this natural dye challenge is based on my recent participation in Spring Pentaculum at Arrowmont Art and Crafts School. Using dyes in my pantry in combinations to create colors representing my 9th Ward NOLA Family.

• Mis’ Shakey’s Blues (Hand-painted thickened indigo) | @natvway
• Earth Seed Yellow | @earthseedfood
• Little Otter Brown | @earthseedfood
• Jazz Eco-Prints | @thatgirljazz
• Little Wolf Red | @thatgirljazz
• Mapo Blues | @nolamapo
• Voodoo Cali Green | @voodoocali
• Mia’s Hibiscus Tea | @minksah
• Moon Bugs (Mixed Media Sculpture) | @moon_bug
• Nick’s Purple Blues | @nicklinson
• Josh’s Earth Blues | @heisyoungman
• Amani Pink
• Ilsa’s Flowers (Steam Flowers Over-Dye)
• Pretty Marwan Denim Embellishments
• Chester’s Blue Black