Join textile artist Davana Robedee in South West France for a week of experimentation with shibori techniques to create patterns on cloth.
About this course:
For thousands of years and all across the world, people have been fascinated by the magic of indigo dye. In this five-day retreat each person will learn how to dye with indigo and use shibori techniques to create patterns on cloth. Students will learn how to create 2 different types of vats (fructose and iron) the advantages & disadvantages of each, and proper vatting techniques to achieve the best results.
Davana will prepare 3 vats of various dye strengths and teach students how to create graduations of blue from light to dark. This retreat will do a deep dive into shibori exploration. We will start with folded and clamped resist using Itajime shibori and then learn several stitch resist shibori techniques. Davana will introduce techniques with step-by-step demonstrations, but will also discuss methods of creating depth, perspective, and imagery to develop one of a kind artworks. Students will create their own original design using a technique (or multiple techniques) of their choice with feedback from Davana on composition and strategies for dyeing.
This retreat is for ALL LEVELS meaning those who have no experience to advanced students are welcome. Each person will be encouraged to develop their skills and unique style at whatever level they are at. Each student will leave with beautifully dyed fabrics, scarves, or wearables, and instructional handouts to continue their exploration.
Indigo Shibori Makers’ Retreat – Outline Programme:
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Introduction to indigo lecture and vat building demonstration.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Creating a gradient exercise and itajime folding and clamping.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Introduce stitch resist. Demonstration of depth, perspective, and gradient shibori strategies.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Begin basic stitch resist samples in a scenic spot on the Clos Mirabel grounds
4.00 –5.00 Regroup to dye samples
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Finish dyeing samples and opening them.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Group discussion of the samples and begin planning original designs. Davana will do individual consultations with everyone as they being to draft their original designs.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – day off
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produceWe suggest wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Finish design & begin stitching artworks in a scenic spot on the grounds.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Regroup classroom to continue stitching or to do more dye experiments with various techniques.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Finish stitching and begin dyeing original designs.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Untying designs, washing and finishing all dyed work, after care instructions and clean up.
6.00 – Evening exhibition and aperitif in the Studio
7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday
Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
Non-participating guests: We are more than happy to welcome accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
The Art Studio, offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
