Welcome to the world of Mycopigments
Mycopigments is a term I coined when I started dyeing with mushrooms back in 1998. At the time, it seemed like the most obvious way to describe dyes made specifically from fungi. When the opportunity arose for me to follow my passion of introducing people to mycology and fungal ecology through the exploration of mushrooms and lichens for color, it made perfect sense to use this term to distingush my work. Welcome to the beautiful and colorful world of fungi, seen through the lens of Mycopigments.
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Testimonials
Alissa Allen is a naturalist and textile artist based in Washington state and the founder of Mycopigments (2012). She is widely known for sharing her love for mushroom and lichen dyes through her in-person workshops and international public outreach platform, Mushroom and Lichen Dyers United.
Alissa is committed to advancing the art, science, and craft of mushroom and lichen dyeing as means of forging bonds between individuals and the places they love. Her teaching approach draws inspiration from mentor Dorothy Beebee, following the tradition of Miriam Rice. Her workshops are designed to be accessible to individuals of all skill levels, providing a solid foundation for beginners while emphasizing the significance of curiosity and experimentation for all in their journey of discovery.
By focusing on regional fungal dye palettes, small-scale applications, and the open exchange of ideas, Alissa encourages each student to forge deeper connections with the natural environments around them and with one another. She prompts students to reflect on their ecological footprint while modeling conscientious ethical harvesting guidelines.
Alissa's mentorship has reached tens of thousands of students worldwide through her international workshops and lectures and her no-cost public outreach platform of over 35,000 members. Her expertise is acknowledged in the book True Colors: World Masters of Natural Dyes and Pigments by K. Recker (2019), where she is recognized as a master of her craft. In 2022, she was honored to host the 20th International Fungi and Fiber Symposium in Port Townsend, WA.
Currently, Alissa is expanding her studies abroad. For the past three years, she has partnered with The Fungivore, extending her outreach to include traditional foraging and textile artisan villages in Oaxaca, Mexico, where she is as much a student as a teacher. She looks forward to offering programs on the island of Gran Canaria as part of the 21st International Fungi and Fiber Symposium in January 2025.
“When you act with reciprocity, exchanging gifts from the wild for community care of wild spaces, there is hope for a healthier planet.”