Trip to Ghost Ranch, New Mexico by Connie Tiegel, part 2

Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu New Mexico is mostly known for the years that Georgia O’Keeffe lived and painted the scenery. Many people recognize the mesas and valleys that she painted as soon as they arrive at Ghost Ranch. It is rural and has no TVs. It is planning for better Wi-Fi. It is rustic and has wonderful hiking, a lake and horseback riding.

Communal meals afford meeting many people from the teachers and classes they attract around the US. This year I sat with several “artists in residence” and heard their stories and learned of the “Artist in Residence program” available at Ghost Ranch. Ghost Ranch is at 6500 feet elevation so some altitude sickness may affect guests. Everyone is encouraged to drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest. The stars are unbelievable when there are no clouds. But storms move through quickly so stars can be seen at some time during the night. WE had one spectacular night when we could reach out and touch the milky way and several constellations.

 

Trip to Ghost Ranch, New Mexico by Connie Tiegel, part 1

I was fortunate to get space in a class taught by Gasali Adeyemo on Yoruba designs and Indigo dyes.  Gasali is a Nigerian born artist raised in Nigeria in a family of artists. Now living in Santa Fe and raising his family, he travels to teach Nigerian craft in the Yoruba methods. 

For five days we learned how to make cassava paste for resist dyeing with stencils, used chicken feather, pine straw and a twig palette knife to create imagery, and raffia to tie different tie dye designs. Many of the manipulations I already knew but to have them connected to Nigerian culture and beliefs was intriguing.  

Gasali had many of his wonderful designs made into beautiful dresses shirts and pants with the distinctive Yoruba look. I happily bought a dress with ocean waves design.