Dean Toepfer

New work for Melbourne Design Week, Fleece in Blue. This project explores the transformation of raw material through a design-led intervention, positioning the sheepskin rug as both functional object and chromatic study.

At the core of the work’s identity is the indigo vat itself. Through repeated cycles of immersion and oxidation, the piece documents the tonal range possible from a single source of colour. Lighter shades emerge from a single dip, while deep, saturated blues result from several immersions, allowing the pigment to gradually build within the wool fibres.

Rather than concealing variation, Fleece in Blue preserves the evidence of process, organic affinity, and the rhythmic building of pigment across a soft, structural landscape.

Big thanks to @col_marine for the indigo guidance.

Fleece in Blue will be showing at The Sheepskin Suite at @abbotsfordconvent.
Curated by @kellythompsoncreative
Sponsored by @wilsondorset
Melbourne Design Week presented by @ngvmelbourne