Monica Vander Baan

I am a violist and violinist performer and instructor. I have performed in string quartet, piano trio, symphony orchestra and taught 3-70+ year olds privately in music schools, private schools and colleges. Five years ago a friend introduced me to fabric dyeing at a dye party. I have loved this dyeing process and have been dyeing with natural dyes since that time. The dyeing process produces so many different shades and variables that seem endless and at times a complete surprise. At this time I am hand and machine sewing with the fabrics I have dyed these last five years and I find I need to learn how to transfer the ideas in my head onto paper. I look forward to finding my own style! Over the past year I have been drawn to block prints, either wood or Lino as I move towards what to do with my dyed fabric and paper. 2 years ago I spent the summer rust dyeing with silk, cotton, linen, and paper. I have ideas of what I want to do with more dyeing with paper this summer using natural dyes from plants and rocks found on my property. And I would love to make my own paper for both the use as stationary and journals for my dye projects.