at the vat again

Indigo 1Originally uploaded by SOFennell

I must say, the day started well with sunshine and hope. I made a note to myself to do some yard work in the afternoon. I met most of my goal for the morning.  The vat was giving good color, those ‘garments’ were lining up nicely on the clothesline, but it wasn’t long before feeling a few drops in the air.

It was raining by lunchtime. So much for those afternoon plans. Tomorrow we’re apparently welcoming winter for the day again. A day off wouldn’t be a bad thing.

There are a few other projects wanting my attention and a couple of good books.

Vat work

the vatOriginally uploaded by SOFennell

I could also say that I’m like that nearly empty vat (exhausted), but fortunately not. However, it is the largest vat I’ve worked with to date – 20 gallons and it fits the bill for what I’m working with at the moment. It offers a lot of flexibility, so I’m likely to use it a lot and maybe make another one, same size or half the size of another kind. It’s simply time to expand.

At any rate, it has been a full week of dyeing “stuff” (can’t say what at this point – under “constraints”) and a challenge. As I mentioned before, it’s given me a good deal to think about while working in and out of the unpredictable stormy weather.

I’ve got a few more weeks to go from my calculations, or it could be a little less. Today and tomorrow though, I’m taking time to focus on the brief workshop at the Japan Center. I’m enjoying the break.

listening to nature

6-In the dye

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

Storm clouds are moving in and I’m sure I heard thunder in the distance. I’ve checked the map and there is something that could be intense moving in. There is a suggestion that it will be like this for a few days. That means a slow-down vat-side.

That could be a good thing – catching up on rest, focusing on future needed preparations and whatever needs my attention (including home). I don’t know how ‘that’ business will respond to it though. I hope they’re flexible and simply realistic. It’s part of the learning process between the two of us. I’ll just do my best (がんばろう).

Actually, doing this particular project, custom work or bit of collaboration (which it actually is) has given me a good deal to think about – mostly around 2 – 3 a.m. when I’d rather be sleeping.  However, that is, I made notes the next day and plan to follow up with Twyla Tharp’s The Collaborative Habit.   It might be a good read on a rainy Sunday and a holiday weekend.

sun’s out

future window treatments

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

It’s a little chilly these days, dipping down to the 30s at night. It isn’t time for planting annuals quite yet, although it isn’t far off. There’s a freeze warning tonight.

Keeping the vats warm takes invention (they’re like babies), but this won’t last. I’ve got a shimmery, shiny, new wrapping keeping them warm…I think it’s working (Psssst! Glennis! Your idea! Thanks!). Maybe I should take pictures?

Another good Glennis idea is window treatments – my home needs some new ones, so why not? Tonight though, this might be a scarf (at the opening tonight?). Could work.

indigo “liquor”

indigo “liquor”Originally uploaded by SOFennell

I feel like if I’m going to invest in the process, then I need to experience a few things – like how many ways are there to create a natural fermentation vat and keep it ‘happy’?

I think mine may have been defined as ‘sulky’ and not sure why that is exactly. There are so many variables in the process. The temperatures and weather have not been ideal and that may be an element, but I can’t be sure.

I took out a few cups this weekend and played with some different ingredients: syrup, “spirits,” urea, ammonia…things like that. It came out smelling quite sweet actually. Then I added them back into the vat. It seems to have improved things a bit.

thinking of spring

Indigo Arashi Furoshiki

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

It’s nearly the weekend, the weather is crazy today with rain and high winds off and on. It makes me restless. It’s been a full week with putting something in the vat everyday, even if it’s just something small.

I’ve uploaded something on Etsy everyday as well, which means a lot of photo editing and writing. I enjoy all of it and it’s good learning. I make a lot of mistakes, take a lot of bad photos and that’s OK. I’m learning, exploring, seeing the possibilities and that’s just fun.

As I said, though, the weekend is nearly here. I’m going to stop and focus on other things, like the house and the yard, the garden. I’m thinking ahead to spring. The garden needs attention and I also want to add new things, certainly some color. Working there is also good for my mind. It’s restful but a lot of mind work happens there too.

March vat on the Ides

It just worked out that way…it was an off and on gloomy and slightly chilly day, but warm enough to heat up the vat and hang things on the line.  It was a good day to play around, see how strong the vat was and play with some upcoming spring imagery (for 2nd graders).

I have other approaches in mind – maki-age perhaps, Chinese butterflies (?)…I’m not entirely sure.  Beginning simply, with shapes is a good thing, but this could be too easy or folding differently and using the same shapes…it has potential…we’ll see.  I’ve worked with the age group many times, but the activity is  new (I usually do high school) and I really want to do it.  I especially want to introduce them to indigo and think it will work well in this context due to its immediacy.  I’ll be limited to roughly 45 min. per class as usual,  so we’ll be working quickly – hence the play.  I’ve got a couple of months before that time, but playtime/prep well in advance is always a good thing.  In this case though, the indigo was calling.

Prepping for things ahead

5- the setup

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

I am thinking & planning ahead and have been doing so for some time now, actually. The last residency was good practice for the next event – Animazement (coming up Saturday). There will be a few challenges to meet there, for one, there will be no sink nearby (or at least in my workspace). So, I will have to be inventive. I have some things in mind (some water is being provided), but I also have to think about porting these things, keeping it light, compact and so forth. It also isn’t the only thing I’m prepping for these days.

I may have stated earlier that I have 4 more teaching days, so I’m also prepping for exams. Actually, I finished all of the writing now and will submit them for copy tomorrow (I cannot run them off myself-something I would very much prefer to do). Policies have changed at school at the beginning of this last quarter and it has resulted in having to plan way in advance of my usual practices. It has altered my approach to a lot of things at this point (really frustrating!). But, at the end of this month it will be over.   As they say in Japan: おわり (owari) or おしまい(oshimai) – the end, finished.

Something just came to mind: owari nagoya (nothing to do with the city, but what my childhood friends used to say in Kagoshima.  Although, it’s probably not a regional expression.)  Sometimes these things just pop into my head-random-funny memories.  I’m glad they’re there.