Wild Pigment Project: Curated by Tilke Elkins

Initiated by artist Tilke Elkins in early 2019, Wild Pigment Project sprang from a question: what does it mean for artists of all kinds to work with materials they gather themselves in wild places—remote, rural and urban—and how do the artists’ personal, ancestral histories interact with the histories held in the land where they forage? For the first time, the artists who have made this project possible will be exhibited together.

This is a rare opportunity to experience not just the dynamic range of expression
possible through these wild pigments in painting, textiles, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture, but also the ‘behind-the-scenes’ workings of the pigment-centric studios, fields, forests, vacant lots, kitchens, and backyards where these works are produced.

All artists in the show are contributors to ‘Ground Bright,’ the monthly pigment subscription that supports Wild Pigment Project and generates monthly funding for land and cultural stewardship organizations. The project also provides an international listing of pigment artists/educators called the Pigment People Directory, offers Reciprocal Guidelines for working with wild pigments, hosts an online gallery, and generates regular funding for educational support for artists in global pigment study.

Tilke Elkins and form & concept will join in donating 22% of the proceeds from this exhibit to IAIA.