Earth Pigment Production

Material Research & Knowledge Exchange

Since 2018, Lucy has been researching and refining her methods of earth pigment production, developing a practice rooted in material research, traditional knowledge and an intimate understanding of place. Her approach combines archival research, historical literature and fieldwork with hands-on experimentation, tacit knowledge and embodied processes of making.

Through her involvement with Pigments Revealed International, Lucy works alongside fellow pigment practitioners to deepen her understanding of the cultural significance of natural colour, exchange knowledge and contribute to the preservation of traditional pigment-making practices.

Site Research & Ethical Collection

Before engaging with a site, Lucy undertakes extensive research into its geology, ecology, mining histories, industrial residues and wider material relationships. This informs her approach to collecting, ensuring that samples are gathered responsibly and with permission, with careful consideration of the ecological and cultural significance of each location.

Pigment Processing & Refinement

Back in the workshop, collected earth and mineral samples undergo a series of careful processes to transform raw materials into usable pigments. Depending on their composition, these may include drying, crushing, grinding, washing, levigation, sedimentation and sieving to separate impurities and refine particle size. Through repeated testing and experimentation, Lucy explores how each material's mineral composition and physical properties influence its colour, texture, opacity and behaviour in different binders. These processes reveal the distinctive characteristics of each pigment while maintaining a connection to its geological origins.