Natural Dyer,Artisan & Bio-Material Researcher - COGNAC
Circular Colour HOLIKA Lab
Located in the heart of Cognac, Circular Colour HOLIKA Lab is a unique space where Parmeet Kaur is dedicated to creating vibrant, sustainable colours from natural materials. The lab uses traditional methods, such as fermentation and extraction, to craft sensory colours from often overlooked materials like vineyard and oak leaves, as well as other seasonal plants.
For Parmeet, Holika means more than just a festival of colours: it’s a celebration of fertile soil and the pride of farmers. This agricultural essence is woven into her work, where each colour is a tribute to the cycles of nature and the communities that nurture them.
Parmeet’s exploration of sensory colours spans several materials:
Textiles: Natural fabrics like Peace silk, linen, and hemp are dyed with plant-based colours, enhancing both their aesthetic appeal and sustainability. This process avoids harmful synthetic dyes, celebrating the inherent beauty of the materials.
Wood: Untreated wood is treated with natural dyes to achieve subtle, organic tints. This approach highlights the wood’s unique characteristics while supporting environmentally responsible practices by avoiding chemical finishes.
Paper: Handmade paper is infused with plant-based inks, resulting in distinctive, delicate hues. This artisanal method enhances the paper’s tactile experience and reinforces its connection to nature.
Bio-Design "Mycelium Structure": Colours are integrated into and on mycelium-based structures, blending bio-materials with creative design. This innovative technique showcases the versatility of mycelium, promotes biodegradable materials, and supports a circular economy.
"Natural dyes bring a sense of ephemerality to our lives, reminding us that, like these colours, we too are a part of the earth's cycle—temporary, beautiful, and connected. Why seek permanence when nature itself thrives on change?"
"Neela" Blue goddess, A notable feature of the lab is the bacterial indigo fermentation vat, which blends traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability practices. By using rainwater, honey, and alkaline minerals, Parmeet produces deep, rich blues, demonstrating a commitment to merging age-old techniques with contemporary innovation.
In addition to her dyeing work, Parmeet cultivates indigo and madder plants in her garden lab, integrating these natural resources into her process. Beekeeping also plays a role, with bee byproducts contributing to her holistic and sustainable practices.
Research and Collaboration:
Circular HOLIKA Lab serves as a research hub for exploring new materials and sustainable design methods. Parmeet welcomes collaboration with students, professionals, researchers, designers, foundations, and the local community, fostering an environment of shared learning and innovation in bio-materials and circular design.
Parmeet invests significant time in researching and creating pieces that honor the cultural and historical significance of materials from specific regions. Her collaborative efforts extend to working with indigenous communities in India, aiming to create job opportunities and address contemporary challenges faced by these communities.
