Foundations in a Reflective Eco-printing Practice:
One day workshop
10th June ~
14th October ~
In this one day workshops you are invited to come with a child’s mind and play with eco-printing techniques on paper. You will experiment with creating multiple bundles, exploring the interactions between different, leaves, metals, ways of wrapping and mordanting.
Along the way you will be have the opportunity to use eco-printing as a mindfulness practice; noticing what is present for you in your making practice and creating space for these knowings through image, word play and your body. You will finish the day with a textured collection of prints, knowings and connection to the ecology within yourself and without.
Over the course of the day you will:
- Learn how to eco-print on paper
- Set up a dye pot
- Discuss mordants
- Utilise arts-based tools for personal reflection
- Develop tools for ongoing self-reflection
- Take home a collection of your own bespoke eco-printed works.
The experience of creating eco dyed paper . . . was a revelation. I’ve always made things with my hands but it was the first time I’ve done a workshop where the focus was on the process itself rather than the technique or the outcome.Spending an afternoon diving deep into emotions and memories brought about by the process was both challenging and rewarding. I learnt so much about myself simply by paying attention to the thoughts and emotions that arose as I bundled.Combining my bookbinding and leather craft skills I set about creating the cover of my book using leather off-cuts from my shoe making adventures.I use my book for inspiration, reflection and as a meditation tool. When I hold the book in my hand and close my eyes, I am transported back to the time I eco-dyed the pages.This little book reminds me of the lessons I learnt in the workshop that day. Lessons that still serve me well – let go of expectations, go with the flow and be flexible. – Indrani Perera, Maker and Writer