Project 13Wood and Fabric Craftmanship Wood Craftsmanship: 
Exploring Traditional Carving Techniques

Size:  6 x 4 x 1 inches 

Medium: Hardwood Carving 

and

Indigo Dyeing Crafting 
Personal Expression through Fabric

Size: 60x20 inches 

Medium: Indigo pigment on Fabric

Date: 2024


In this project, I explored hand wood carving, using traditional craftsmanship to transform a raw piece of hardwood into a refined object. I began with locally sourced wood and selected various carving tools to shape it into an initial form. The process started with rough carving to create a general curved shape as the foundation for the design. As the project progressed, I used finer tools to sculpt intricate details like leaves and floral patterns, enhancing precision and artistry.

After completing the detailed carving, I moved to the finishing stage, smoothing the wood’s surface with progressively finer sandpaper in preparation for a lacquer finish to amplify its natural beauty. This hands-on experience deepened my appreciation for the tactile qualities of wood and the skill required for traditional carving, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship and the human touch in design.

-

I chose to work with indigo dyeing, a traditional method that has been used for centuries to create intricate patterns on fabric. Starting with a plain sheet of cotton, I explored different dyeing methods, from immersion to resist techniques, using folds, ties, and clamps to create unique designs. The process involved careful preparation, including learning how to mix the indigo dye to achieve the desired intensity of color. Each fold or twist of the fabric was a deliberate decision, allowing me to experiment with both controlled and spontaneous patterns. As the dye seeped into the material, distinct and organic patterns emerged, revealing how interaction with a basic material can yield highly individual results.