11 . 22

basalt blue : november ’22

Basalt Blue, a blue-grey pigment, was gathered from a volcanic igneous rock formation that formed in the older part of the Western Cascades from volcanic eruptions 17 to 35 million years ago along the North American subduction zone. Basalt makes up 90% of the volcanic rocks on earth. It was gathered from an abandoned gravel quarry used to make the forest service road leading to the popular hiking destination Mount June. Basalt blue is a chameleon of sorts: when placed next to greens or blues, it looks grey, but when contrasted with warm hues like red or yellow ochre, its deep, luminous blue is revealed.

Editor’s Note: Hosanna put many hours into the processing of this pigment, grinding it to a fine dust in her mortar and pestle, levigating it (using water to separate out the finest particles), drying it, and then re-grinding it again to break up the dried cakes. The result is a color-rich, smooth & creamy pigment. 

contributor: Hosanna White

Hosanna is a pigment forager, potter, and earth artist living in the foothills of the Cascades in Western Oregon. She is dedicated to slow crafts that teach patience and cultivate gratitude.. Her creative passions include painting, acorn foods, and earthenware pottery. See her work on Instagram.