The dark season

ray rogers December 7, 2016

Here in the northern hemisphere it is "the dark season." This season, inevitably ruled by a surplus of sleep and a tendency towards too much self-reflection, means all of us are prone to fall down the introvert's rabbit hole; facing-off with self-criticism and frustration. Despite how uncomfortable the process feels, ultimately it is the catalyst for forgiveness and acceptance. Personally, this season the work feels even more insurmountable after the loss of my brother.

I mean, let's get real: The dark season is already a bit of bugger and learning to negotiate with it has been a life-process which expresses itself clearly in my move from the Pacific Northwest to California. That being said, with each birthday I celebrate, I'm called to evolve my perspective and get comfortable with the inherent dulaity of our existence. Life isn't just light, it is also darkness. The past few years I have begun to feel the qualities of darkness and they are different from what I initially perceived them to be: Darkness is soft; it is yielding; it is still; it is creative. Integrating these holistic notions of "darkness" really helps me to see winter as a period of cosmic dissolution and rebirth. Thus, in someways it is the peak season for creativity.

The cap project was originally dreamt up last winter when I was "feeling blue" and decided to create a placebo of sorts, something that I could coin the 'positive thinking-cap'. The Indi's birth derived from a deep need to translate leanings towards seasonal-affect into something that could be playful, healing, light-hearted and relatable. The idea was to create something that could "protect" the wearer like a helmet but in a more abstract manner. My dream was that the cap could become something which united us as we faced-fears and encouraged us towards more mindfullness and greater discernment in regards to the stories we tell ourselves. Of course, there's the obvious function of the cap, to protect from the sun, but I also dreamt it could "guard" against feelings of self-pity and dissociating thoughts, things I feel more prevalently in the winter.

For me and for many, art is an expressive vehicle for taking pain and translating it with joy into something beauitful, relatable, and unifying. My purpose with the caps is to offer an element of magic, to create a little added oomph, more warmth for you when facing rough times or especially dark-days. It is important to me that you know that this project was generated with the utmost love and, as a process, has been healing and clarifying. Here's to hoping you feel the positive vibes and joy from the things you receive this holiday season.

for all you sons and daughters...

with love,

waughter babe

Photo taken during early winter 2015, lake washington <3

Sailing in a storm

ray rogers November 30, 2016

A lot has changed since my last post and I'm currently learning how to "sail in a storm." I recently lost my baby brother and alongside my family and friends I am learning to "right ship" in unchartered waters.

My brother was an adventurous, outdoorsy, loving and generous kiddo with a penchant for fishing and camping. He was a gift of a human--humble, kind, and generous. He always encouraged my art and my projects, cheering me along the way. My heart is sore from missing him but my mind is made up on honoring his life in whatever small way possible. As part of this effort I've set-up a shop of current available art prints and also a line of Indi caps (soon to feature retro sweatshirts and tunics to boot!)--some projects I've chipped away at this year.

Boy, do I wish my brother was here to celebrate this small and humble launch, but I've gotta trust he is here in spirit, helping me 'right my sails' and stay course. In honor of his bright light I've decided a percentage of ALL purchases will go to the National FIsh and Wildlife Foundation. This will allow for greater protection of national parks, marine habitats, and marshlands-- places which brought my baby-brother great joy and continue to serve all of us who experience peace, connectedness, and love through the great outdoors...

for all you sons and daughters,

with love

waughter babe

* took this picture when I lived in Venice Beach...no edits...so much beauty...

Them Blues

ray rogers September 29, 2016

Many of those closest to me know that I have spent the last few years exploring and developing an active textile and surface design practice. My study began while enrolled in a year of post-graduate study at Savannah College of Art & Design, but has since evolved into more personal in-depth and hands-on study and development. While my material sensibility grows and expands I find that I am still most attracted to the "image making component"--in this case through print and color applications.

This fall I am releasing a limited edition 5-panel indigo camp-cap that speaks to the joy I've discovered in developing an organic, plant-dye practice. In 2015 I had an opportunity to serve as an intern/teaching assistant at Wildcraft Studio School, wildcraftstudioschool.com; this experience in combination with an ongoing mentorship with indigo-master and natural dye artist, Sarah Ashford of Culler Studios- methowmade.com/culler-studio, has led to my creation of a small line of indigo-inspired apparel and accessories.

The Camp-Cap is designed from Organic, American grown and American Spun heavy-cotton. It is then prepared by me, using shibori resist methods, and dyed by hand with the finest organic-plant indigo (non-synthetic). After a thorough wash process the cloth is ready for it's cut and sew, courtesy another local US based Manufacturer. Because of the organic quality of hand-dying and shibori, each cap returns as something one-of-a-kind. The vision is versatile, different grades of blue and white, moving on canvas--an ode to sea and sky. It is my hope that the caps are received excitedly and that you can feel supported by the environmental and locally-supported process. Now, go play outside :)

Ray