In this, our last year in this series, I want to explore not only the place at which we started, but where we are now. Our first collection, in 2016, was conceived amid the backdrop of Brexit and Trump’s unbelievable presidential win. That year I asked, in relevant part: “Is progress a straight line, an even progression of color values? Is it variegated, a seemingly random and incoherent jumble of colors? Might it repeat cycles, and if so, in what length?”
Fast forward to 2024: we have experienced a world-wide pandemic, an insurrection here in the U.S., the end of war in Afghanistan and the beginning of new wars in Ukraine and Israel, the loss of women’s freedoms around the world, and a U.S. president who, despite all odds, continues to attempt to lead in a positive and empathetic manner. In the face of so much loss, this call and collection has managed to not only bring dyers and designers together, but has sustainably grown each year.
I keep revisiting my initial questions about progress and colors, and I find this is a good year for me, personally, to end this collection. I keep wondering if we are on the precipice of repeating the events of where we started, or continuing in a transformative line forward. I have gone through many changes since 2021 and I want to end on the latter – an ending that looks forward with warmth and happiness and joy. The inspirational color palette chosen reflects that warmth and joy – as well as a critical mass of blue.
So, dyers – have at it! Either create some new colorways, or use
what is already in your colorway library. I look forward to seeing what you
submit!
