Eco-Printing: Revealing Nature’s Hidden Magic
WEEK ONE (5-day): June 24 – 28, 2019 Classes run from 9 am – 4 pm each day and students are welcome to stay late in their studio.
Eco-Printing: Revealing Nature’s Hidden Magic
Come experience the magic of eco‐printing, a technique of making direct contact botanical prints by using the natural pigment found in plants. When the historic methods of natural dying and contemporary print techniques are combined the results are stunning one of a kind plant portraits captured on paper.
Activities will include: gathering plant material from the surrounding area with which to experiment and find out what leaves are best to use and why; discussion of safety procedures and the sustainable practice of foraging and gathering plant material; trying three techniques for making paper bundles: layering, rolling and folding; exploring the use of iron water and copper water as mordants and incorporate natural dyes and experimenting with a variety of papers, a few fabrics and become aware of the variables that can affect the outcome of your prints; work with two methods of heating: steaming and simmering in water. This is where the magic of pigment to paper transfer happens!
During the last few days students will bring together the unique collection of eco-prints they’ve made and create meaningful works to express the weeks experience. Make brushes and other mark making tools from natural materials for embellishing the prints with ink. Create a Z-fold nature book, journal, and work of art incorporating bits of found natural materials using simple stitching and binding techniques.
The unpredictable and often surprising result is what makes the process of eco-printing so exciting. Prepare yourself to be awed by Mother Nature’s magic!
All levels welcome
- STUDENT SUPPLY LIST (Click HERE): All students are responsible for bringing their own supplies.
- COURSE COST: $746 (Includes $681 tuition and a $65 material fee for extra supplies)
Tuition includes lunches and daily snacks. Prices are listed in Canadian Dollars and are inclusive of all applicable taxes. An accommodation package is available in QUAD or DOUBLE occupancy and includes breakfast and dinner. Click here for further details.
Kathy Johnson
Kathy Johnson is a collage, mixed media and eco-print artist living in Waterford, Connecticut. She sees the beauty in the discarded and explores ways to bring new life and meaning to everyday items that most consider disposable. A collector of objects both natural and man-made, she considers tea bags, leaf skeletons, candy wrappers, junk mail and rusty metal to be valuable treasures.
As a master gardener, her passion for gardening blends perfectly with the eco printing process and supplies a never-ending source of plant material. Incorporating prints into her art expresses an appreciation for the natural world and is a satisfying way to share the plants nurtured in her garden during each growing season.
Kathy attended Western Connecticut State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. Her work has been shown nationally as well as in local galleries in Connecticut and Rhode Island.