Texture Archives

Texture Archives (2022) is collection of material samples that show the many possibilities of color, shape, texture and form-both old and new, natural and synthetic. Arranged by color, one can see the subtle or harsh differences between textures. Suggested and featured readings are provided by the Decker Library to emphasize and explore materials uses and histories. This collection is a brief sample of a larger collection that the Materials Library has located on the first floor of the Mt. Royal Station building, s102.

On display in the lower level of Decker Library, Raw/Refined (2022) showcases an exploration of natural pigments combined with wax by Flynn Leeb (Fiber 23’). Through multiple processes of pigment extraction, melted beeswax and trial and error, Flynn created a palette of naturally pigmented crayons and pastels. He recorded recipes and steps in the creation of these mark making tools and the colors that came from naturally derived pigments. Cooked down Cochineal insects, Turmeric, Indigo, and Madder Root are just some of the plants and insects used for color extraction.