ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
This study examines the transformation of sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan) and river stone collected from Sungai Sedim, Kedah, and Sungai Siputeh, Selama, Perak, into natural pigments through studio-based art practice. Informed by materiality, the study explores how material properties emerge through preparation, handling and application, and how these responses shape artistic decisions. A qualitative studio-based approach involved extracting colour from sappan wood, forming pigments using alum with sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate, and preparing river stone pigment through grinding and sieving. Both pigments were mixed with binder for painting applications. Sodium carbonate treatment produced a stronger sappan wood colour than calcium carbonate treatment, although this difference became less noticeable after drying. Sappan wood pigment showed smooth, watercolour-like handling on paper but was harder to control on canvas, prompting adjustments in water and brushwork. River stone pigment remained slightly granular despite repeated grinding and sieving. These findings indicate that natural colour is understood not only through its final hue, but also through material transformation and the artist’s responses during making. The study highlights studio practice as a way of developing material knowledge for contemporary art.
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