The "What Do You Do?" Look & generalisations

There's a beat of silence, and a hesitation after the question, as my head spins trying to find the answer that will have the listener understanding rather than slotting me into the generic thoughts of Tie Dye. 

While I respect the rich history of tie-dye, the term can often evoke images of predictable patterns and a bygone era.

Maybe I'm imagining things, but I feel there's such a strong generalization of tie-dye. People think of those loud, in-your-face psychedelic rainbows, peace signs, and maybe a pot leaf thrown in for good measure.

Perhaps they're picturing a tie-dye disaster from their childhood.

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How do I voice and convey that my artform is so far removed from the generic tie-dye that they're remembering?

My ice dyeing embraces a modern, more artistic style.

I step away from the traditional form and step into the world of dyeing with ice cubes.

It's the ice cubes where the magic happens.

 

The beauty lies in the dance between ice and dye. As the ice melts, it creates a captivating flow of colour, mimicking watercolours or a mesmerizing marble effect. This unpredictable process results in truly unique pieces, no two ever exactly alike.

Now, don't get me wrong – there's a place in this world for traditional tie-dye. 

In the 60s, it became a symbol of rebellion against the mainstream, a way to wear your individualism loud and proud.

So when I introduce myself and my work, I'm not wanting to diminish the history of tie-dye, but I'm also not wanting to be categorized.

Classic tie-dye holds a special place in textile art history. Its bold colours and graphic patterns were a symbol of self-expression in the 60s.

Ice dyeing, on the other hand, is a whole different ball game.

It offers a more unique and organic approach, perfect for creating modern, artistic pieces that would look right at home in any stylish space.

So, the next time I get asked 'what do I do?' …

Want to see more of my work, because it will blow your mind!!!

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