Material Memory Studio — Research
Material Research Library
A living archive of material references, historical sources, biomaterial experiments, pigments, binders, and artistic research — accumulated across 12 countries and ongoing studio practice.
Each entry includes what the material is, why artists use it, historical context, basic process, common failures, and Jay's own studio notes. The library grows with each workshop, residency, and research trip.
Field Research
Material Trips
Field research documentation — New York · Boston · and beyond
Browse by Category
Natural Dye — An Introduction
Colour from plants, insects, and minerals — fibres, mordants, and the chemistry of natural colour
pH & Colour Shifts in Natural Dyeing
Same dye bath, different colours: how vinegar (acid) and soda ash (alkaline) shift natural dye results. Practical guide for hibiscus, cochineal, weld, and madder.
Learn & Make
From archive to studio — learn these materials in person
The research here forms the foundation of our workshops and 1:1 material consultations. If you want to work with a specific material — hands-on, in the studio — reach out.