There is something deeply poetic in the rhythm of hands at work, dipping carved wooden blocks into natural dyes, pressing them gently onto cloth, and lifting them to reveal patterns born of earth and imagination. Each imprint carries not just colour, but memory, a quiet dialogue between craft, nature, and time.
Hands That Hold Colour: Natural Dyeing and Block Printing Workshop by Atiya Javed Ghulam and Abbas Soomro at the Textile Studio celebrates the revival of an age old textile tradition. Guided by artisans from Bhitshah, Sindh, bearers of a living heritage passed down through generations. The workshop offers a rare opportunity to engage with the authentic techniques of natural dyeing and hand block printing.
Participants are invited to immerse themselves in the tactile processes of preparing dyes, carving motifs, and printing by hand. Through this mindful act of making, they rediscover the timeless connection between self and soil, craft and community, heritage and creativity.
More than just a workshop, Hands That Hold Colour is an exploration of rhythm, patience, and the enduring beauty of handmade textiles, a testament to the stories that flow through every fibre, every touch, and every shade.
