Q AND ART: Elizabeth J. McTear
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
This is the first installment of our new Typos Intentional series, Q and Art.
This is the first installment of our new Typos Intentional series, Q and Art. We ask local artists the same set of questions, and then they give us the name of the next artist to interview.
Our kick-off interview features Elizabeth J. McTear of Honest Alchemy. Enjoy!
1) Tell us a little about your background.
I've always wanted to be an artist. It's just what I knew how to do from a very early age and, except for a few grade school years when I wanted to be an archeologist or a marine biologist (I just liked drawing dinosaurs and sharks), art is what I poured my energies into. I was lucky enough to go through a great art program at Methacton High School, and went on to earn my BFA in Textile Design at Moore College of Art & Design.
Since then, I had various artistic ventures — co-op gallery and art collective, drawing nights with friends, etc. — but things didn't really gel until I started getting back to my roots as a textile artist a couple years ago. Since I started really focusing on natural dyeing and textile work at the beginning of 2013, I've been able to truly build up my business and I'm seeing some real successes.
2) What are you currently working on?
Currently, I run my own business, Honest Alchemy, and maintain a steadily growing studio practice. I focus my textile work in natural dyes, which is unlike anything I learned in art school. I made the switch for health and environmental reasons; to limit my exposure to heavy metals and toxic chemicals found in synthetic dyes, as well as to give myself a new challenge in the studio. Natural dyeing is a lot more sensitive and unpredictable than dyeing with synthetics. I have to do things like regularly test the pH balances in my various dye vats, adjust accordingly, simmer materials for hours, soak them for days, amongst other things.
I keep a large natural indigo vat as well, which is a living dye that requires a maintained temperature and regular feedings of sake and organic wheat bran so it can ferment properly to produce its signature color. I currently work with sustainable organic dye materials: Madder root (corals,pinks, and reds), natural indigo (blues) and logwood (purples to gray/black). I dye scarves, bandanas and napkins, as well as fabrics that I sew into pillows and bags. I employ ancient shibori techniques to make marks and patterns, as well as some screen printing and block printing. I also weave small tapestries from yarns I've dyed. I dye everything myself by hand, aiming to make each piece feel unique.
3) What's your favorite thing to eat locally?
Just one thing? In this town? There's an insane amount of great food happening in Philly. Of the greats, in my opinion, are Paesano's panelle sandwich (or, really, their entire menu), Amada's Esparagos con Trufas (asparagus thing with a poached egg), and Saad's Greek salad (it's my go-to when we don't want to cook).
4) What's your favorite thing to do in this area?
Ride my bike. Philly has an incredible network of bike trails and lanes — and it's growing!. Particular favorite rides include riding through Wissahickon with my husband and then stopping at Valley Green for something to eat, and riding by the dog park along the Schuylkill river trail. The dogs are so happy and adorable! You can't help but feel good seeing them play. I also love visiting Woodland Cemetery. Walking, biking or running through there is a peaceful and beautiful experience. Plus, famed realist painter Thomas Eakins is buried there.
5) Give us your insider tip to the city.
Early Sunday mornings, before the brunch rush, are amazing. Everything is really quiet, there's no traffic, and the only people up and about are typically those going to church, so everyone I see while I ride around or walk is nicely dressed, happy and polite.
6) And finally, pick the next artist for us to interview.
Choosing just one is really difficult. Philadelphia has a very large number of artists and craftspeople worth checking out. But for this, I will choose Lisa Haskell. Lisa paints beautiful abstract paintings, and I love watching her pieces evolve. Plus, I happily own one of her smaller works!
Where to find Elizabeth J. McTear
Website: www.honestalchemy.co | Store: www.etsy.com/shop/HonestAlchemyCo
Instagram: @HonestAlchemyCo | Twitter: @HonestAlchemyCo
