Natural Dye and Botanical Printing with Ludmila
Explore natural dyeing and botanical printing with Ludmila, a renowned textile artist, in her studio in Rocha’s picturesque hills. Forage native plants from the forest for dyeing, and learn to create contemporary artistic expressions on textiles. Outside the studio, enjoy Rocha’s stunning landscapes, nature reserves, and rare birds. It will be a unique creative retreat that blends artistry with nature, offering a serene and authentic Uruguayan experience.
- Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee, & Tea, Breakfast
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1955
- Additional guest(s) (max 3)
- USD $1200
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $675
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $450
Meet the Artist
Ludmila, an Argentine-born textile artist, is renowned for her expertise in natural dyeing and botanical printing with native plants, creating contemporary artistic expressions. After studying sociology and graphology, she moved to Uruguay in 2007, deepening her passion for textile art and experimenting with felt and natural fibers under master artists.
Her work with natural dyes involves using plant-based materials such as leaves, flowers, roots, and bark to create rich and diverse color palettes. This eco-friendly approach not only produces beautiful and sustainable colors but also deeply connects her work with nature and the environment. Her botanical printing technique directly imprints natural elements onto fabrics, capturing intricate plant details and patterns to produce unique, organic designs. This process combines scientific and artistic understanding, focusing on plant properties and their interaction with various fabrics.
In addition to dyeing and printing, Ludmila is skilled in felting, working with different natural fibers. Based in a sustainable community in Rocha’s hills, she continuously experiments with native plants, refining her techniques to craft small-batch apparel and accessories that co-create with the landscape without harming it.
Ludmila views textile art as a lens for understanding the world, saying, “Textile art is a way of viewing the world and life.” She invites you to discover your resonance with the natural world, sharing a creative process that can be adapted to different ecosystems and biomes.
Her work with natural dyes involves using plant-based materials such as leaves, flowers, roots, and bark to create rich and diverse color palettes. This eco-friendly approach not only produces beautiful and sustainable colors but also deeply connects her work with nature and the environment. Her botanical printing technique directly imprints natural elements onto fabrics, capturing intricate plant details and patterns to produce unique, organic designs. This process combines scientific and artistic understanding, focusing on plant properties and their interaction with various fabrics.
In addition to dyeing and printing, Ludmila is skilled in felting, working with different natural fibers. Based in a sustainable community in Rocha’s hills, she continuously experiments with native plants, refining her techniques to craft small-batch apparel and accessories that co-create with the landscape without harming it.
Ludmila views textile art as a lens for understanding the world, saying, “Textile art is a way of viewing the world and life.” She invites you to discover your resonance with the natural world, sharing a creative process that can be adapted to different ecosystems and biomes.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learn to dye and eco-print on natural materials such as cotton, wool, viscose, silk, and spun wool.
- Gather dye plants from the forest and city, then use them to dye fabric, spun wool, and garments.
- Print on clothing using foraged natural materials. Additional materials like natural fabrics, clothing, and ready-to-use items dyed by Ludmila will be available for purchase.
- Enjoy a hike through the native forest surrounding Rocha.
- Visit the local organic market and explore the Ambá or La Tahona reserves.
- Bathe in the nearby stream, depending on the season.
- Daily inspirational morning reading.
Stay at Ludmila's
Stay with Ludmila in an eco-sustainable inn facing the hills, with plenty of nature and silence. Located 500 meters from her studio, the accommodation is within a communal area shared by 12 families. The inn features a ground-floor room with two single beds and a private bathroom, and a second-floor room with a king-size bed. Please note that the accommodation is eco-friendly and uses a solar water heater, so hot water is available at specific times. There's no Wi-Fi in the room, but you can access it in Ludmila's house and studio.
Rooms do not have kitchens, but all meals are provided if you're staying with her. For groceries, Ludmila can drive you to Rocha if needed, as the nearby grocery store is not open every day. Additionally, there is a local fair on Saturdays where you can find fresh produce and local goods. Enjoy privacy and personal space, with a view of a mud-built acoustically circular sound dome used for weekly yoga classes.
Rooms do not have kitchens, but all meals are provided if you're staying with her. For groceries, Ludmila can drive you to Rocha if needed, as the nearby grocery store is not open every day. Additionally, there is a local fair on Saturdays where you can find fresh produce and local goods. Enjoy privacy and personal space, with a view of a mud-built acoustically circular sound dome used for weekly yoga classes.
Explore Rocha
Ludmila’s studio is located in a sustainable community within a natural reserve in the hills of Rocha, a tranquil retreat about 2.5 hours from the airport. This coastal town is known for its stunning sand dunes, pristine beaches, and eclectic arts scene, making it a haven for artists, surfers, and nature lovers.
From Rocha, you can explore coastal towns like La Paloma and Punta del Diablo, famous for their beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes. The nearby Laguna de Rocha offers birdwatching and diverse ecosystems, while Santa Teresa National Park provides hiking and nature exploration. The region’s rural landscape features charming farms and local artisan shops that showcase Uruguay’s authentic culture. Rocha also offers cultural attractions such as museums, vibrant markets, and festivals celebrating gaucho heritage. Whether you want to unwind by the sea, explore scenic trails, or delve into local crafts, Rocha is a hidden gem that offers a more peaceful and authentic Uruguayan experience.
From Rocha, you can explore coastal towns like La Paloma and Punta del Diablo, famous for their beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes. The nearby Laguna de Rocha offers birdwatching and diverse ecosystems, while Santa Teresa National Park provides hiking and nature exploration. The region’s rural landscape features charming farms and local artisan shops that showcase Uruguay’s authentic culture. Rocha also offers cultural attractions such as museums, vibrant markets, and festivals celebrating gaucho heritage. Whether you want to unwind by the sea, explore scenic trails, or delve into local crafts, Rocha is a hidden gem that offers a more peaceful and authentic Uruguayan experience.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Rocha is from December to March, when the weather is warm and sunny. Avoid the winter months (June to August), as they are often chilly and wet, limiting outdoor activities and beach visits. During winter, many tourist facilities and attractions may have reduced hours or be closed, and the atmosphere is quieter with fewer events compared to the lively summer season.
This session can be extended for up to 7 days for a more in-depth experience focusing on garment-making and specific techniques like indigo, wool and eucalyptus printing, paper printing, shibori, large-format printing, and mentorship surrounding project development for production. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children with a guardian, elders, and those with accessibility needs are welcome, though the rugged terrain may be challenging for some. Please note, the studio is not wheelchair accessible.
Ludmila speaks Spanish and English.
This session can be extended for up to 7 days for a more in-depth experience focusing on garment-making and specific techniques like indigo, wool and eucalyptus printing, paper printing, shibori, large-format printing, and mentorship surrounding project development for production. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children with a guardian, elders, and those with accessibility needs are welcome, though the rugged terrain may be challenging for some. Please note, the studio is not wheelchair accessible.
Ludmila speaks Spanish and English.