Resist Dyed Textiles: Global Tradition in a Local Landscape
with Eric Jackson
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn textile dyeing and surface design technique, exploring basic elements of melted wax resist (batik), natural fibers and vibrant dyes. Participants will have the opportunity to choose between several different wax resist applications (stamping, painting, drawing) depending on their comfort level to create their own one-of-a-kind hand dyed pieces. Participants will also engage in discussions of how global textile traditions can connect to the heritage and traditions of Southern Maryland.
Participants should be comfortable using a low temperature melted wax (~120°F), and be prepared with comfortable clothes which may likely be permanently stained. No prior experience or drawing experience is necessary.
This is a two part workshop where participants will need to attend both parts. The first part will take place from 10am-12:30pm, break from 12:30-1:30pm with a provided lunch, then the second part will take place from 1:30-4pm. This workshop will take place at St. Mary's College of Maryland.
Eric Jackson ('04, '10 MAT) is a professional artist whose work explores a connection to the water and wildlife of the Chesapeake. A contemporary fiber artist, his work is an intersection of fine art, contemporary craft, and the ecology of the watershed.
His work has received support from the Maryland State Arts Council, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, and numerous local arts councils including St. Mary's County. He has been a presenter and exhibitor at the National Folk Festival, the American Craft Show, and many prestigious national art fairs, including Coconut Grove and the National Art Fair in Naples. An avid outdoorsperson, Eric continues to explore the Chesapeake from Leonardtown, where he lives with his wife and two girls.