Cochineal Dye

About this work

Cochineal is made from Dactylopius coccus, a scale insect. Dried, ground, dissolved: the result is a vivid crimson that ranges from bright magenta to deep burgundy depending on mordant and pH.

These experiments test that range. Alum keeps it warm and bright. Iron shifts it toward plum. The final project pieces layer cochineal with indigo, exploring what the two dyes build together. Part of Art 185LJ at UC Santa Barbara, 2023.