Notes from the studio

Musings from behind the scenes of the studio

Can you please share with us your mission for your design studio?
Hilary L Hahn a teaching studio which has been offering workshops, private lessons, and events for a number of years. A working artist, Hilary is a painter, designer, & educator.
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Our mission is to support the work of creatives of all ages. Our goal is to serve and inspire a broad community of talented artists, who wish to further skills through the explore various art forms from painting, fiber arts, to sculpture. Her signature watercolor and surface design workshops are a must do! We aim to explore design in it's many forms from young artist and adults that want to reconnect to creativity daily. 

In your studio, you create modern textile designs inspired by natural dye processes, indigo and interiors. Your work combines natural elements & water as a vehicle for that dye. Is there a correlation between your love of natural dye and your watercolor painting practice?  
Yes, I enjoy the fluidity of shapes and I am inspired by organic patterns. I love to paint Shibori patterns as much as I love to dye with them. 

What are some of your favorites materials or tools to work with when you are in the studio?

Arches watercolor paper, indigo, natural dyes, wood, watercolor and linen.

Indigo Garden Social

You have studied techniques in Japan and India. Could you talk about the particular techniques and practices you traveled to sturdy?
 
Absolutely, I am inspired by my trips to India and Japan. From visiting with local artisans, museums, textile centers, and factories. I have enjoyed visiting with and hosting visitors from abroad and hope to do more. Taking a dye or design workshop, 
 
How have you been able to maintain a regular art practice over the past year? What advice would you give to creatives that could use an inspirational boost?  
My advice would be to work on something creative every-day. It could be something as simple as a watercolor, a study, a sketch, or adding embroidery. Take time to do something creatively fulfilling, and if what you find creatively fulfilling is your work, then be grateful for your job. 

One of the beautiful things about textiles dyed with natural techniques is that organic look and embracing wabi-sabi from the results. Could you talk about the importance appreciating the "surprises" that come out of the vat?

I have found that my customers completely appreciate those little nuances within the work. Oftentimes it's easy to strive for perfection or to achieve a certain effect when you are dyeing. In many cases, those unexpected bursts of color or spontaneous patterns formed by the way a piece has been tied, are what makes the piece extraordinary and better than imagined. 

We have a few exciting events to round out the year. A few lucky participants will be dyeing in a small group LIVE in my garden in our: Indigo garden social. Meet up virtually for our watercolor for Relaxation painting workshop, where we will be exploring motifs on a set of watercolor cards. 

Watercolor for Relaxation