Reciprocal Pigment Gathering
As you begin collecting natural earth pigments, it’s important to remember to protect the landscape. I have formed a relationship with the earth that I cannot really put into words. It didn’t grow overnight but over a long time of interest and curiosity. Collecting earth pigments sustainably and ethically requires mindful actions. Through your process, I encourage you to build a long-term dialogue with different spaces. This builds trust and intimacy within multi-species communities.
Reciprocal Gathering Guidelines
There are specific measures that can be taken to ensure that ecosystems are not put at risk while collecting natural earth pigments. I encourage you to take note of what resonates with you so you can adapt your own process to conduct land acknowledgments and reciprocal gatherings.
1. Take time to acknowledge the landscape you are in.
Do your research and be mindful of the practice you are about to engage in. Observe the subtle nuances, the learnings, feelings, and emotions you experience in your outer landscape. Give yourself time to collect, returning to a site multiple times before extracting pigment samples. Learn about the governing laws of a site, consulting with parks, conservation groups, or individuals where necessary. Meet with experienced teachers who can impart their wisdom about plants, animals, and minerals. Find ways you can help steward the landscape like planting native plant seeds or collecting trash.
2. Observe past cultures.
Learn about the history of both the land and people, immigrants, or those who may be connected to enslaved or indentured people. Honor and avoid gathering on sacred land and unmarked graves. Always avoid gathering plants, soils, and minerals that are essential to Indigenous cultural practice.
3. Gather only what is necessary.
Explore your intentions for gathering samples. Do not take in abundance. Be mindful of your body in different environments. Do not collect from contaminated sites like mines, areas of high polluted run-off, heavily trafficked places, or calciferous marine bodies, etc. Though pigments are “natural” they can be toxic or deadly if not handled properly and with consideration. Approach the landscape and only gather the samples needed. You can always return to a site and engage in a long-term dialog with the landscape.
4. Provide Monetary support.
Provide monetary support to land/cultural organizations when financially able.
5. Educate.
Share knowledge and wisdom gained with others. Be kind with the information that you learn and provide to others it with abundance.
As you begin to collect and form your own relationship with the land, be mindful of your actions. Use your time in solitude to reflect and be grateful for the beautiful landscapes around you and the color they share.
