SILK AQUATINT WORKSHOP

The sunny bank holiday weekend bought with it a Silk Aquatint workshop at the yard:ARTspace

Silk Aquatint is a sophisticated collagraph version of Mezzo tint.

Mount board is covered with chiffon which holds a rich velvety amount of ink.

By using layers of glue, details and tones can be achieved.

Despite the warm weather there was a great deal of concentrated gluing as layers were applied to make different tones. 

The weekend was used to explore the

plate making processes and then

chine collee, and viscocity

inking was added to the mix.

With the studio doors flung open

lots and

lots

of prints were made. The next collagraph workshop will be 23 September, Printing Collagraph and Lino together.

Before I head off just a quick word about the up and coming GDPR legislation and how it will effect my activities. You will have had lots of communication from organisations sorting all this out. If you are on my mailing list please update your preferences as requested on my last newsletter or unsubscribe if you no longer wish to hear from me.

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MATERIAL MATTERS

So far the summer term at the yard:ARTspace has been about textiles. I have been lucky enough to have Viv Sliwka and Kathleen Murphy visit, bringing with them bags of stitch goodies and deliver gorgeous workshops.

The end of April saw Viv inspire a group with stitch and 

vintage tins. We all made a delicious stitched collage

adding vintage bits

held down with french knots

and running stitch to create small

encased worlds.

Everyone completed their projects and we 

were all thrilled. Viv is a gently persuasive teacher, very generous with her materials and knowledge.

With the change in the weather Kathleen arrived, suitcases in hand

and mystery packages for her signature workshop, The Sewcial.

You just do not know what you will be signing up for with this workshop.

Kathleen challenges and inspires you to think outside of the box and this workshop did not disappoint. Everyone received a sieve and a thing from a light fitting.

From there Kathleen makes a few suggestions and off everyone goes in a variety of directions.

Deconstructing,

creating from

resource material.

Show casing skills

in new directions.

Everyone produced extraordinary pieces

Much admired at the end of the day.

Missed this workshop?

Kathleen will be delivering a Seasonal Sewcial at the yard:ARTspace on the 16 November, book early to avoid disappointment.

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT

The summer term started at the yard:ARTspace, Cheltenham this week. Since starting workshops and courses at the yard, 4 years ago, I have found myself a bit Cheltenham bound. But a couple of weeks ago I was found venturing out to the Nottingham area to deliver a workshop

at the marvelous Hope and Elvis.

Two wonderful days delivering my signature workshop, Mixed Media Sketchbook techniques to include Gum Arabic Transfer...I really must make that title more snappy.

There are 2 things that recommend a Hope and Elvis workshop. The fantastic organisation of the lovely Louise Asher and the fabulous food at lunch time. This photo sums up both.

Everyone who attended the 2 day workshop was made to work extremely hard.

Lots of mixed media with ink, bleach and wax combined

with oiled based ink and

my favourite technique

gum arabic transfer printing.

A great deal of experimental work was done on paper and into sketch books.

The paper was duly folded into a book form,

then glued to create a library of

booklets.

Everyone made very personal pieces. Fantastic to see when everyone uses the similar techniques.

Look out for this edition of Be Creative with Workbox 

I have a 'how to' article explaining Gum Arabic transfer in detail.

Or go to my Etsy shop MadeBySueBrown,  for a selection of 'How to ' leaflets

and original hand-stitched, gum arabic transfer printed Garden Stories.

WITH WINGS

I am having a small break from bird collagraphs. I am giving myself sometime to explore new techniques together with new subject matter.

But as you can see, I am not moving too far away from the subjects I love to research.

Entomological collections and wings.

Natural history together with the collection and study of it is close to my heart. 

Something that my father encouraged.

So as you know I start with drawing, drawing, drawing.

Then plate making, yes there has to be collagraph here somewhere. 

But I need to push myself and my use of materials further.

Caroline McCatty, a super supportive artist friend has given me lots of silk. 

So 'what if ' I print my collagraphs on silk?

What if I rust the silk first, then print on it?

What if I combine collagraph with gum arabic transfer printing and start to layer everything up...

on silk? 

I am at the experimental stage, but thanks to the encouragement of Caroline

 I am beginning to move in a very different direction...or am I?

I am realising that I have missed doing proper research and development work and have to acknowledge that it is not always about producing sale-able work.

While I am in a thanking mode, I received an email this week from Anuj Agarwal, founder of Feedspot. My blog has been voted one of the Top 20 Printmaking Blogs on the web. 

Thank you Anuj and everyone who reads  this blog. I look forward to many more posts.