kalapuya county : july ‘20
This pigment, called ‘Kalapuya County,’ is most likely a chlorite mineral. Chlorite, like celadonite and glauconite, contains iron, but not copper. It’s a phyllosilicate or “sheet silicate,” and sometimes has a noticeably talc-like, greasy texture, but can also be harder, like this pigment. Although most green pigment that’s been identified as “terra verde” or “green earth” is usually either celadonite or glauconite, microscopic analysis of historical paintings has revealed a fair amount of chlorite in green earths.
Tilke Elkins foraged this pigment on a hillside that had been exposed by clearcutting, in an area of Oregon geologically known for an abundance of chlorites. The area, currently known as Lane Country, has been home to the Kalapuya people for more than 10,000 years. Kalapuya elders and historians have called for the renaming of Lane County as Kalapuya County, to honor Kalapuya sovereignty.
contributor : tilke elkins
Tilke Elkins is a painter and social practice artist, & the founding director of Wild Pigment Project. Tilke has been exploring the world of wild pigments since 1999, the year she discovered that grass chlorophyll could be mixed with rice starch and used as a printing ink. Resonance with powerful ochre sites as a teen left a deep impression, and in 2008 she stopped using synthetic pigments altogether and began an in-depth exploration of ‘wild’ pigments — those found by foraging outside in urban and remote wild places. She paints on large reclaimed wood panels, foraged objects, and outdoor surfaces. Tilke fosters connection and collaboration between international pigment artists, teaches workshops and online programs, and consults with organizations that seek to integrate pigment studies into their curriculums. www.tilkeelkins.com
22% donation recipient : Wild Pigment Project Equitable Opportunity Scholarship
This month, 22% of Ground Bright’s net proceeds went towards Wild Pigment Project’s newly-established Equitable Opportunity Scholarship. The scholarship covers the cost (up to $500 USD) of one workshop, class, mentorship, or other educational opportunity, chosen by the applicant, from any institution or individual educator in the field of non-synthetic pigment study. The scholarship contributes to counterbalancing the inequities created by colonization and white supremacy, and is open to anyone who self-identifies as belonging to an underinvested or marginalized community or population.