Indigo Artists: Links I Love

Top 5 indigo Artists From around the World

Ready to see some breathtaking indigo from around the world? Has the indigo trend caught your eye? 

Today, I will share with you my favorite indigo artists from across the globe.  Indigo dyeing is has a long history. The practice has permeated the globe from Japan to Thailand, West Africa and North America. Many ancient cultures have a history of dyeing using the indigo plant.

After weeks of searching for the most innovative patterns and inspiration, I have put together a growing collection of artists from around the world that are doing interesting things with natural indigo.

Art Installation by Rowland Ricketts

1. Ricketts Indigo: Rowland and Chinami Ricketts

Rowland and Chinami Ricketts use traditional processes to create modern textiles. Their work first caught my eye on Pinterest, as I was preparing to host my Shibori Textile workshop. Below, is an installation by Rowland Ricketts showing varying hues that can result with indigo dye.

Ricketts Indigo

Read more to see the rest of this list of amazing indigo artists. 

2. Gypsy Janpengpen

Gypsy Janpengpen, an Indigo-dyer from Sakon Nakhon, holding balls of indigo yarn. Thaïland. I know the indigo tradition is strong in parts of Thailand. I love this photo and I am hoping to learn more about this artist. 

photo by Gavin Gough

3. Aboubakar Fofana: 

Early this year, I came across the incredible work of Aboubakar Fofana, a Malian indigo dyer. He is is focused on preserving and revitalizing Mali’s vanishing tradition of natural indigo dyeing.

Collection of shawls by Aboubakar Fofana

I enjoy his installations too, in fact, he just had one at the Fowler Museum here in Los Angeles.

The picture below, of sheep dyed in indigo in Athens are part of his work. Here is what he has to say about the piece: 
"Blue is a divine colour in West Africa, a colour which links humans to the heavens and to the unknown, and as the only natural source of this colour, indigo is inextricably linked to this sense of divinity. Just as every journey should start with a blessing, I have dyed these sheep with indigo to symbolise the blessings that immigrants need as they leave everything and everybody they know and step into the unknown." You can read the rest on his Instagram page here. 

photo by Aboubakar Fofana via Instagram

Shibori Community: 

The artworks below emerge from a group of artists called the Shibori Community in Tokyo. This spring, I am hoping to go to Japan to practice and learn more about the art form. Since Shibori is a traditional craft that emerged from a community tradition not a particular artist. I like that this community exists. These pieces feel modern and seem propel the craft, it's designs and variations into the future.

Ready to get started with Shibori?
You can sign-up for my Los Angeles Shibori Scarf Workshop here.
Here are some links and resources from beginner to advanced, to help you get started.

Blog Posts on Art Of Shibori Design

• Top 5 Shibori Tips for beginners
• 3 Shibori Techniques:  learn Arashi, Itajime and Kumo 
• Stitched Shibori: Technique, innovation, pattern, and design