Colombian designers Mónica Suárez and Daniela Rubio run Ginger Blonde, a graphic design and visual communication studio pioneering the use of coca leaves as a natural ink. Over the years, their studio has evolved into a creative hub, blending aesthetics with sustainability, economic development, and artisans’ collaboration.
In a conversation with Colombia One, Suárez shared the journey behind Ginger Blonde’s innovative use of coca leaves, which is now attracting significant attention both in Colombia and internationally.
Founded in 2016, the studio emerged from Suárez and Rubio’s shared experiences as Industrial Design students at Colombia’s University of the Andes. In 2022, their ground-breaking project came to fruition serendipitously during a natural dyeing workshop in El Tambo, Cauca.
Coca-leaf inks gain commercial success in Colombia
Inspired by a book on natural inks by Marta Sastre, Rubio and Suárez started to experiment with using coca leaves as a pigment, despite initial resistance from local artisans due to the stigma surrounding the plant, which can be used to produce cocaine.
“Since we are from the city and had never really been exposed to the stigma surrounding coca leaves, we were able to view it without much concern. That was not the case with the artisans, as they had directly experienced that stigma,” Suárez told Colombia One.
The results of their experiments were striking: the vibrant shades of green and yellow that came from the cocoa leaf ink led to the creation of a product line for AgroArte. This is a local initiative which combines art and agriculture to promote social reconstruction in communities affected by Colombia’s armed conflict.
Through this partnership, the artisans saw a remarkable 14,000% increase in sales in two years. “Coca leaves have shown immense commercial potential and have been a significant success for AgroArte,” Suárez explained.
After this initial success, Ginger Blonde started collaborating with women artisans from other regions, including Guacamayas in Boyacá, Curití in Santander, and Sutatausa in Cundinamarca. These alliances are now driving the growing potential for coca leaves to be used in art, crafts, and textiles.
“The initial reception to the project is always very positive. People want to contribute to changing the narrative around coca leaves and Colombian growers,” Suárez said.
Reshaping international narratives through color
Ginger Blonde’s work has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. Rubio and Suárez have led workshops at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Panama and have participated in events organized by Open Society Foundations in New York. They also presented their project to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, showcasing how art and design can challenge stigmas.
“The artistic approach opens a softer, yet effective way to address regulatory barriers surrounding coca leaves,” Suárez told Colombia One. Highlighting the plant’s transformation into vibrant colors when used on natural fibers like silk and cotton, she added, “color transcends debate – it’s something universal and undeniable.”
Exploring new creative horizons with coca leaves
Building on its initial success, Ginger Blonde has expanded its exploration into various creative applications, including watercolor, crayons, silkscreen ink, and typesetting materials. Suárez and Rubio have developed the phrase “Tinta Dulce,” (“sweet ink”), which merges the creative and commercial possibilities of coca-based pigments. For projects such as “Pajarita Caucana,” an illustrated publication made with coca leaf ink, they sourced coca leaf flour directly from Colombian farmers like Erney Ruiz, contributing significantly to local economies.
“Using coca leaves for natural dyeing is unique, not just for its commercial narrative but because Colombia has an abundant supply,” Suárez explained. To date, Ginger Blonde has purchased over 35 kilograms of coca leaf flour, providing income to farmers and demonstrating the plant’s versatility.
As part of its efforts to promote the creative potential of coca leaves, Ginger Blonde will host “Tinta Dulce: planting leaves, harvesting words” in Bogotá on December 7, 2024, during the annual Día de las Velitas (“Day of the Little Candles”) celebration. This event will showcase the studio’s coca-based pigments through live demonstrations, culinary tastings featuring coca-inspired dishes, and a vibrant line-up of DJs and live music. Held at Casa Rosa, it promises to connect attendees with the cultural and artistic possibilities of the plant.
By intertwining creativity with advocacy, these Colombian women continue to redefine the perception of coca leaves, using design as a powerful tool for cultural and social transformation.