Toronto Foodways: Natural Dyeing

Centering on the vibrant food culture of Toronto’s East end, this workshop explores the potential of food waste as a natural dyeing material for textiles. Sourced from local restaurants and eateries in the surrounding area, the workshop will explore the use of food items such as avocado skins and pits, onion skins, pomegranate piths, and more to discover the wonders of natural colours through food. Focussing primarily on colour extraction, participants will learn the basic techniques of drawing pigments from food waste to create potent dye vats. This workshop will also explore mordanting with iron and copper baths made from found metals also sourced from shops and studios in the neighbourhood. At the end of the workshop, participants will have made a completed sample booklet of swatches and dyed fabric pieces that express everyday life in Toronto through colours. Participants will go home with the confidence to continue effectively and safely dyeing in their own kitchens.

All materials are provided in this beginner-friendly workshop, and no prior experience is required. There will be a $35 materials fee due on the day of the workshop. THis workshop will include a 1 hour lunch break.

This workshop will be facilitated by Timothy Manalo. Timothy is a sculpture, textile, and installation artist based in Toronto. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from OCAD University and completed a Master’s in Fine Arts in Studio Art with a Certificate in Museum Studies from the SMFA at Tufts University in Boston. His work has been featured in exhibitions across Canada and the United States and has also participated in international artist residencies. Manalo’s practice has also been supported by grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Toronto Arts Council. He is currently a member of the Contemporary Textile Studio and Co-op and exhibits with Arterial Gallery, in Toronto.