Our Story
Indigo Shade Map is a a digital platform curated to delve into the fascinating journey of natural indigo, tracing its historical roots and the contemporary community built around it today. The map invite you to explore the rich tapestry of indigo's past and present, and unveiling the intricate threads connecting cultures, traditions, and the environment. Our team has passionately compiled a diverse array of information, ranging from ancient civilizations that first learned to extract indigo to modern-day sustainable practices and artistry across different continents. Join us on this exploration, where tradition and innovation merge.
Discover the Indigo Shade Map, an innovative interactive infographic map that originated in 2016 through the creative vision of artist and grower, Rosa Sung Ji Chang. The project was re-developed in the spring of 2020, evolving into a living document, archiving the global usage of three distinct indigo varieties: Indigofera tinctoria and suffruticosa, Persicaria tinctorium, and Woad.
These remarkable plants intricately interlace the lives and histories of diverse communities, forming a complex tapestry of textile heritage that fosters connection and understanding among the intricate world of indigo.
The Indigo
Each indigo plant on the map is uniquely denoted by a specific shade of blue, a testament to the diverse hues that this ancient dye can produce. Indigo dye, deeply rooted in the textile traditions of numerous cultures worldwide. We invite you to explore the varied climates and regions in which indigo thrives, producing distinct shades despite their shared blue pigment (indigotin).
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The map currently documents the following species:
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Indigofera
suffruticosa + tintoria
Anil, Guatemalan indigo
Tropical, African, true indigo
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Persicaria
tinctoria
Japanese, Jjok, Asian Indigo
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Special
indigo
Varied unique species
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Isatis
tinctoria
Woad
Extracting natural indigo is a multifaceted and intricate process that involves a deep understanding of both the botany and chemistry. Derived from various plant species the extraction of natural indigo requires dedication, labor, patience and expertise.
About
Rosa Chang
Rosa Chang is a Korean American artist, educator, and storyteller whose work is informed by her experience as a first-generation immigrant. Rooted in Korean natural dye traditions, her practice explores the relationships between color, cultural memory, material culture, and the natural world.
She is the author and illustrator of the award-winning picture book My Indigo World and the creator of Indigo Shade Map, a long-term research and storytelling project documenting indigo traditions around the world. Through her artwork, research, and teaching, Rosa brings together natural dyeing, pigment making, papermaking, and fiber-based processes to create meaningful connections between people, place, and history.
Rosa teaches workshops for museums, botanical gardens, schools, universities, libraries, and arts organizations, welcoming participants of all ages and experience levels. Her work encourages slowing down, working with the rhythms of nature, and discovering the stories embedded within plants, pigments, and textiles.
Whether creating artwork, leading workshops, or collaborating with communities, Rosa's mission is to preserve traditional knowledge while inspiring new conversations about sustainability, creativity, and cultural heritage.
Growth
Services
Rosa is also a dedicated artist and educator.Invite her for a workshop, talk or any commissions.
Consultation
Workshops
Panels & Talks
Commissions
Need guidance on your natural dye journey?
Are you planning to build a natural dye garden, start a natural dye studio, or develop an indigo program? Have questions about natural dyeing, pigments, or traditional Korean dyeing practices?
Whether you're an artist, educator, organization, school, museum, or simply curious, Rosa offers one-on-one consultations to help bring your ideas to life.
Come make, learn, and explore with Rosa! Workshops are available for individuals and groups of all sizes, ages groups.
Discover the magic of natural indigo—from growing and harvesting the plants to extracting pigment, building an indigo vat, and dyeing textiles. Rosa specializes in traditional Korean indigo dyeing and loves sharing the stories, history, and culture behind natural color.
Rosa also offers a variety of hands-on art and craft workshops, including natural dyeing, papermaking, botanical printing, drawing, illustration, and mixed-media art.
Available for single presentations or group panels. With engaging presentations and discussions, Rosa offers wealth of knowledge into the world of indigo, community building, and natural dye practices.
Rosa is available for commissioned natural dye and fiber art projects. Whether you're looking for a custom textile piece, collaborative artwork, or a site-specific installation, please get in touch to discuss your project.
