In 2022 I found myself unexpectedly curious and in love with the idea of making my own inks and paints from plants and other natural materials around me. I discovered this while reveling in the luxurious time and space of an artist in residency program at Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Virginia. Ever since those endless days of tinkering and discovery, I’ve made quite a collection of vibrant colors.

These homemade inks and paints are much gentler artist’s materials for the planet, and I know exactly where they came from. For some of these plants, I’ve been saving seeds and growing them for many years, and it’s just so magical to have this additional connection and way of knowing them.

There’s something so magical about working with living pigments. They can be unpredictable, surprising, and ever-changing. Their variability and color shifting over time are fun to explore and encourage letting go of expectations and perfection.

I’ve provided a basic recipe for both ink and paint-making you can find in the drop down menu. I also have a book! It’s nearly here. If you want to be alerted when I have them available, please send me an email: melissadesa@gmail.com.