Champ lexical is a series of discussions where the atelier b team discusses social issues related to the practice of design with people who are directly concerned by the topics addressed. Freely inspired by our discussions within the team, this project aims to be a space where we can share our experiences and slowly implement the changes that go hand in hand with our values. Sharing being restricted by the space devoted to writing on social media, we wanted another platform where we wouldn't be limited by the format. Available as a podcast, each discussion will provide the opportunity to reflect on a sensitive, current issue or one that we want to understand better.
Photo credit: clickmtl
Episode 3: Clothing and Color
This discussion invites us to delve into color as a living material, through history, symbols, ecology, and society. Color is considered here as a language of identity, a space for intimate and collective expression. In this discussion, we explore the textile incarnations of color, both natural and chemical, while dreaming of creating a color chart rooted in the local terroir or bioregions. Finally, we open the question: can color become a common ground, a shared breath, a vector of community?
This is a broad topic that touches on both the personal and the political, from the perspectives of identity and ecology. To further explore the topic after listening, we have compiled here the references, artists, and resources that were mentioned.
This episode covers, among other things:
- the role of colour in the expression of identity;
- the symbolism and memory of colours in our clothes;
- the links between dyeing, chemistry and the environment;
- the difference between natural and synthetic dyes;
- the possibility of creating local and responsible colours;
- Colour as a cultural and emotional language.
Our guests
Celia Perrin Sidarous
Montreal-based visual artist, Celia explores the connections between objects, images, and the use of space through photography and installation. Her work is distinguished by its attention to color, texture, and composition. She reinterprets the conventions of photography studios and collage to create evocative arrangements where everyday objects become vessels of memory, narrative, and quiet beauty.
View of Celia's workshop by Jean-Michael Seminaro (2020)
Vanessa Mardirossian
A textile designer, teacher, and researcher, Vanessa explores color from the perspective of ecology and environmental health. A specialist in textile eco-literacy and non-toxic dyes, she examines the connections between chemistry, design, and sustainability. Her approach combines scientific knowledge with artistic sensibility, to rethink our relationship with color within the context of ecological transition.
View of the artwork Same shade, different imprint of Vanessa (2025)
Resources, artists and references mentioned
Exhibitions and artists
- Celia Perrin Sidarous' website;
- Article about Celia Perrin Sidarous that we wrote in 2020 accompanied by images by Jean-Michael Seminaro;
- Interview with Vanessa Mardirossian and presentation of her thesis in 180 seconds (in English);
- Article about Vanessa Mardirossian and presentation of the collaboration we carried out with her;
- Paul Outerbridge : early 20th century photographer, known for his still lifes and his work on color;
- Laur P .: artist-author of a text on colors "difficult to name" (in English);
- Claude Arsenault : Dialogue with printed art , Galerie de l'Atelier Circulaire.
Books and resources
- Dominique Cardon: The world of natural dyes (reference work on natural dyes) and The 157 colors of Paul Gout (historical study of 18th century dyeing recipes);
- Greenpeace report (The toxic underbelly of fashion, 2012): study on the porous relationship between textiles, dyes and health;
- Fibershed / Fibershed Québec : movement for a local textile ecosystem (radius ~200 km).
Plants and dye resources
- Origin of Colours (dyeing service);
- Growing Arc (training and community activities);
- Dahlia Milon (dyeing plants garden in Kamouraska);
-Butterfly Garden Dye (dyeing plants garden in Montreal)
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Thanks to Atelier Circulaire for hosting us in their gallery for the filming, to La Shop Studios for the filming and editing, and to François Ste-Marie of Studio Elnk for the visual design.