Meet Liz Spencer of The Dogwood Dyer in San Clemente

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Spencer.

Liz, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I like to always describe the beginning of my work with natural dyes in a backward manner since I started growing plants to use as dye before I had any experience with natural dyeing. I started a dye garden at my graduate school while pursuing a degree focused on sustainable fashion- specifically knitwear and animal fiber biodiversity. The garden project was a way for me to force myself outside to get to know people in the neighborhood in London where I was studying, and an excuse to be outside away from my computer and knitting machine while writing my dissertation and creating my knit line for my final degree project.

The gardening experience stuck with me, and I’ve always sought out ways to grow my own color alongside exploring it in application for fashion and apparel brands professionally as well as teaching natural dyes and sustainable textiles in workshops and universities. Growing my own color allows me to see the whole process from seed to color on cloth- it’s incredibly valuable in a holistic process that is not hurried- it allows me to fully appreciate my craft and know all the energy, time, and knowledge and skill that goes into natural dyes.

Since London I’ve lived and gardened in an urban setting of NYC (Brooklyn specifically), and Riverside, CA where I was able to expand my space to grow and adapt to a completely different climate- adapting my gardening approach to conserve water and growing a select few plants that give my natural dye palette a diversity of color from less variety of plants that can be combined and overdyed to create a whole spectrum of color.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My path has felt very slow in gaining traction because I started my family just as I was starting my business and professional practice into natural dyes. I have taken months and years off at a time while my two small children grow to focus on them as well as re-assess what simultaneously makes me happy and fulfilled creatively. Many parents face this decision of how much of their creative selves will be put on hold, or pushed to the back burner as their dependents require more of their time and heart, and this has been a big reality for me- the struggle to dive fully into being a parent with the resolution that work will always be there to pick up when my children start school or leave the house, or to keep with the momentum of my creative interest where I feel like I am now just beginning to blossom as an artist while stewarding my children responsibly at the same time. Sometimes I feel like I’m failing one or the other (work or family) and sometimes I feel like I’m half-assing both, and then there are the times I feel pride and joy about how I’m able to attend to both with my all my self. This has been my biggest (and smallest) struggle.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Dogwood Dyer story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an artist and educator that operates as “The Dogwood Dyer”. I work exclusively with natural substances to create color on textiles primarily. I have consistently grown my own plants for natural dye since 2011 and specialize in sustainable methods of using biodegradable and renewable plant color as an alternative to synthetic dyes, which are derived from petroleum.

All of my professional dye work for fashion and apparel production is done by hand- where I handle the fabric/garments and prepare it for color through immersion dyeing, shibori resist dye or natural painting employing color made using everything from barks, to leaves, to roots, seed pods, nut husks, and shells. I also regularly teach workshops on natural dyeing independently in Los Angeles and NY, and I’m working on a series of instructional videos to be released on my website for download, as well as a natural dye DIY Kit.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I wouldn’t say I’ve had much luck in either way- bad or good. I’ve worked hard at learning my craft and still feel like there is quite a bit more learning to do. I will say that I’ve had the privilege of parents and family that has supported and believed in my passion in arts as well as making a positive environmental impact.

Pricing:

• I teach Natural Dye Workshops in LA that are usually between $85-$125
• My Natural Dye Kit will soon be released Summer 2019 for $45

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thedogwooddyer.com
• Phone: 4255036548
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @thedogwooddyer

Image Credit:
Photographer Sam Barrett

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