The earth pigment process is full of discovery and the act is quite transformative. It influences the way you perceive the world and moves throughout your creative practice. This topic is so dear to me, and while writing is a big part of my creative process, I also enjoy sharing creative conversations. Today, I am bringing you something that is a bit more personal—a true and honest dialogue. In the above audio recording, I give three ways earth pigments inspire a deeper connection with our outer landscapes, our inner landscapes, and our creative practice. Below are written notes from the recording for you to reflect upon, and explore deeper.

Natural Earth Pigments are lush, they hold color in a unique way, not like any other. They are textural and reflect fragments of light, revealing the true beauty of iron. They are deep, full of secret beauty. They hide in earth crevices emitting energy waiting for discovery.

For a long time now (at least 10 years) I’ve held on to a collection of vintage watercolor paper. It’s moved with me to every state I’ve lived in, finding its home in one of my many boxes.

Throughout the month of June things have progressed very slowly in my studio. Most of the month I have placed my energy and focus on gathering my supplies into boxes so I can continue my creative journey in a new city. The time I’ve spent processing through each material, supply, and pigment has gathered an array of thoughts on my slow studio practice .

As I reflect on this collection, I am filled with both excitement and accomplishment. Each piece is a true reflection of the ideas floating around in my mind and studio as I work through beautiful pigment explorations. The simple forms and deep colors hold the real, tactile experience of foraged pigments and handmade paints. They bring a moment of pause into the world as they carefully document the time + space of the world we live in. Below is a preview of a few of my favorites from the collection.