What started as a personal, hands-on process for Katie Addo has evolved into a collection of pieces for Goldy Way, each one still dyed by hand, one at a time.

Photography by Lydia Gallagher, Tribe Up North for Cool Story, Buffalo

“Every piece carries that same balance of intention and unpredictability – holding a cozy kind of joy and energy, and bringing color into everyday life.

“The melting ice would move the dye in ways I could never predict – creating these painterly, watercolor patterns that felt completely unique every time. There’s always an element of surprise.”

Katie on the ice-dye process ...

“At its core, the process is just ice and dye. I pre-soak the fabric in soda ash, then arrange it in different configurations across various containers. It’s covered in ice, and the dye is placed on top. As the ice melts, it slowly breaks the dye apart – resulting in unexpected colors and pigments.”

“I keep detailed notes throughout the process – color combinations, placement, timing – so I can attempt to recreate results when needed, even if no two pieces are ever exactly the same. It’s part technique, part letting go.”

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