Rose Wirtz

Billet Doux, 24" x 35", hand-cut naturally dyed wool, silk, linen, cotton, and raffia, on linen. Designed and hooked by Rose Wirtz, John Island, South Carolina, 2010. Photography by Rose Wirtz.


When Rose Wirtz saw the exquisite color that came from her first natural dye bath back in 1997, there was no turning back. The quality and depth of the color embodied the nature that she loves so much and that has always inspired her. It was a pivotal moment, and she has not stopped working with natural dyes since. 

A graduate of  Parsons School of Design in New York City and Paris with a BFA, Rose has taken intensive natural dye workshops across the country with many dye masters including Karen Casselman, Jim Liles, and John Marshall. Traveling into the depths of Venezuela to study natural dyes and basketry with the Ye’Kwana Indians, she has connected with many creative people through the love of natural dyes, fiber, and experimentation.


This article is from the November/December 2014 issue. For more information on our issues, check out our issues page.