From the archives: Colour alchemy with Jason Logan

Show Notes

Takeaways from this episode

• Ink is more than pigment - it’s a way of seeing.
  Jason invites us to look closely at the world around us and discover colour in overlooked places - from sea cucumbers to cigarette butts. What could you find if you paid more attention to what’s at your feet?
• Play is a powerful method of discovery.
  Jason’s approach to ink making is rooted in curiosity, improvisation and openness. “I love to say yes to everything,” he shares - a philosophy that has led him to both surprising pigments and unexpected collaborations.
• Natural ink connects us to landscape and story.
  Whether boiled from black walnuts or stained from crabapple blossoms, each batch of ink holds a specific geography, time and emotional resonance. As Jason says, “Natural ink is a whole landscape condensed into a bottle.”
• Colour bridges art and science.
  From shellac chemistry to electron exchange in rust, Jason’s work blurs the lines between magic and material. He sees natural colour as a form of “mud puddle sorcery” - playful yet grounded in physical process.
• Imperfection is part of the beauty.
  Not every experiment works - and that’s the point. Jason keeps a “graveyard of failed inks” and celebrates the accidents along the way. “If you want ink that behaves, go to the art supply store,” he laughs. “But if you want surprises, make your own.”

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Explore the artwork from this episode below

During the interview, we shared some images of Jason’s artwork. Since you’re listening to the podcast version, we’ve made some images available for you below.