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Exploring Natural Dyeing and Sustainability with Kenya Miles: Founder of Blue Light Junction

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Jul 20, 2022 • 38m

Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by Rob Lee, engage in this meaningful conversation with Kenya Miles, a prolific artist, and alchemical mind behind Traveling Miles Studio, who stands as the visionary founder of Blue Light Junction—a multifaceted haven encompassing a natural dye studio, an alternative color lab, a dynamic retail space, an enchanting dye garden, and an enriching educational hub nestled in central Baltimore. As a dynamic textile artist, farmer, and seasoned natural dyer with over a decade of expertise, Kenya's fervor for sustainability resonates through her journey, steeped in diverse techniques and crafts cultivated from her extensive travels. Her creative prowess interweaves with her mission to establish a comprehensive full-circle system in Baltimore City, where the cultivation and processing of natural dyes flourish within the nurturing realm of Blue Light Junction.

About Blue Light Junction

Blue Light Junction is a natural dye studio, alternative color lab, retail space, dye garden & educational facility in central Baltimore. Founded by textile artist, farmer, and natural dyer Kenya Miles, Blue Light Junction is focused on growing, processing, and preserving the history of natural dyes and their artistic, practical, and commercial applications.


In this edition:

  • Uncover the captivating origins of Kenya's journey as a textile artist and natural dyer, as she recounts her immersive experience in Mexico, where diverse crafts and traditions sparked her creative path.
  • Journey into the vibrant history of natural dyes as Kenya Miles unravels the intricate threads connecting these historical pigments to the modern world, highlighting their potential beyond textiles.
  • Delve into the profound philosophy of sustainability with Kenya, as she emphasizes the ethos of valuing quality over quantity and fostering a community rooted in environmental care and mutual support.
  • Venture into the realm of natural dyeing intricacies with Kenya, as she unveils the captivating world where different fibers react uniquely to natural dyes, and the subtle interplay of factors like pH and light shape the kaleidoscope of colors.
  • Embark on a journey with Kenya as she unveils her fervent dedication to creating a self-sustaining ecosystem in Baltimore City, where she cultivates and transforms natural dyes within the holistic embrace of Blue Light Junction.


Join us for a captivating episode as Kenya discusses her time in Mexico, where she learned various crafts and traditions, and how it sparked her interest in natural dyes. Kenya explains the process of natural dyeing and the different techniques she has learned over the years. She emphasizes the importance of sustainability and building a community that values quality over quantity. Kenya also talks about the Ibora Art and Research Residency and the Nature's Color project at Blue Light Junction.

Mentioned in this episode
Blue Light Junction


The Station North Arts & Entertainment Interview Series is supported by the Station North Art's District & Central Baltimore Partnership.


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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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