Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Pitchford.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for creating art. I’ve tried my hand at drawing, painting, photography, knitting (that one didn’t go so well), sculpting, pottery, all the things! But none has given quite the thrill that ice dyeing has. The final product of each piece is like opening a Christmas present each time. The creative process requires me to find balance between my vision for a piece and allowing the dye to express itself. As a combination Type A and creative person, it has been a liberating journey.
Ice dyeing is a somewhat obscure craft, and I am frequently asked how I became interested in it. Years ago, my sister-in-law, who is also naturally creative, sent us some ice-dyed creations that she had made. I filed this potential project in the back of mind, along with the 3,314 other Pinterest projects floating around in there. Fast forward a few years, a friend and I decided to put on a mini summer art camp for our artistic children, and tie-dye was day 3. The dusty, deeply filed ice-dyeing project resurfaced, and I decided to give it a shot. I was addicted after the first melt.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It caught on much faster than I expected it to. People have a very specific mental picture of what “tie dye” is, and its appeal is reserved for niche group of people. While the wearable art I create is far from the rainbow spirals that naturally come to mind, I was worried people wouldn’t understand or appreciate the art. My worries were unfounded, and the interest and demand has been consistent.
The challenge we have faced has been the transition from me being a 100% stay-at-home mom and wife. While this is my first priority, and I love the choice we were able to make for me to stay home, I also desire the ability to express my creativity through some form of art. Finding the right balance between pursuing this endeavor, launching a business and being able to remain present with my family has been the biggest challenge. But we are figuring it out together, and are heading in a good direction!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Ice-dyeing is a unique form of “tie dye.” In traditional tie dye, you mix your powdered dyes with liquid, and then apply that colored liquid to fabric. The liquid that is applied is applied as solid color. With ice-dyeing, the powder is applied to the fabric by using ice (either under or over the dye). As the ice melts, the varying pigments that are mixed within that color split. They travel at different speeds, react differently to different temperatues, and adhere to fabric at different rates. This creates a very dynamic and organic expression of color. The variety of color and texture you see in the end piece is what sets ice-dyeing apart from tie dyeing.
I have an appreciation for all forms of this art — whether it’s bright and bold and psychedelic, or soft and earthy. It’s fun to explore all of the possibilities. However, I find myself drawn to very earthy, neutral and organic creations that can be worn and paired with your everyday outfits or even more upscale date-night attire.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
You have to be willing to be disappointed in the end result and try again. And again. And again. Resilience is key in art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ronandyeboutique.etsy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AoSd5fdRP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://sites.google.com/view/rdbsignup/home
