Behind the Artisan Natural Rose Dyed bags
Q&A with artisan María José Gómez
What is your name, and where are you based?
My name is Maria Jose Gomez, and I am based between Bogota, and Ubaté - Colombia
What is your passion/profession?
I am a designer with an emphasis in anthropology. My passion is textiles and the stories behind those who are involved in this tradition. The process of creating a textile is my passion and I particularly enjoy the experimentation of dyeing natural fibers with natural extracts. I have a natural dye studio in Colombia, a place to celebrate local textile traditions.
How did you get started?
My inspiration is my mom who is a textile designer and an amazing teacher. But my love for natural dyes started in Guatemala, while working directly with indigenous artisan communities that made me more aware of natural textile dyeing processes. I started dyeing in the kitchen of my house and then I started teaching workshops and later I opened my own studio and launched my own brand.
Where & how is everything sourced?
For the Analog Nature bags, I use red rose petals. These petals are collected in Nemocón, Colombia, in a greenhouse where roses are grown for sale and export. These petals are those that are removed from the roses before they are sold, that is to say, they are petals that were to be discarded and are in perfect condition.
As for the fabric, everything is sourced and made in Colombia. Supporting Colombian industries and products that are grown locally.
How does nature inspire your creative process?
I am inspired by the patience of nature and the perfection of its timing. Living so close to the mountain and experiencing the cycles of the plants, I am able to understand that everything has its time, and above all that, my creative process has to go hand in hand with this timing that nature governs.
What ingredients do you use to dye Analog Nature’s bags?
Analog Nature’s Artisan bags are dyed with a 100% handmade dyeing process with red rose petals. We do not use any chemicals during the dyeing process, everything is made naturally and handmade.
What is your mission?
To create a space for the recognition and appreciation of textile traditions and processes in Colombia.
Why do you do what you do?
Everything I do is a result of a continuous search for the deep roots and origin of processes, but above all a personal exploration; many times we have to get lost to find oneself, to look back to where it all began to understand everything. All my natural dyes and explorations seek to understand that source, as well as to celebrate the traditional ways of creating. I do it to pause and find calm, hoping that the people who are part of the process and the project also find that stillness.
What is one of your favorite things about your job?
One of the things I like most about my work are the people I have been able to meet. The community that I have built, in each workshop or project I have been fortunate to meet and create a community that believes in the project. Teaching and learning is what I like most about what I do.
What are some book recs / inspirational resources you recommend?
Books: The Unknown Craftsman: A Japanese Insight Into Beauty
· For me my biggest inspiration is being able to see the amazing creative and artisan community in Colombia. All the material and different fibers that we can find in one place and how they turn it into something new.
· Analogue creative processes
· Travel: This is one of the most important muse for inspiration. Traveling to places i’ve never been, traveling alone and being able to appreciate every part of the journey. The colors, the sounds, the people. All of those experiences can translate into a creative piece.
SHOP ARTISAN BAGS + ARTISAN OILS HERELearn more about Maria & check out her workshops here
Photography shot by: Luz Angela Diaz & Andrea Finella