Ref: S2D32755
On this course, you will be introduced to an eco-dyeing technique for fabric that uses oak gall, iron and natural plant and leaf material. You will prepare the fabrics for dyeing and go foraging for leaves and plant material in the Arboretum and grounds at West Dean. You will use the leaves you have collected to create designs on silk bamboo and cotton fabrics.
Oak gall and iron together create a colour range of bluey greys towards black, and we will spend time together exploring the reactive properties of the tannin rich oak gall and iron solutions on paper, as well as fabric.
The iron blanket process results in a purposefully eco printed fabric, alongside what is called a ‘ghost printed’ fabric. This offers opportunities to build on the dyeing process in layers, taking the ghost printed fabrics back through the process in interesting and often unpredictable ways.
On day two, you will be supported to focus on developing the ghost printed fabric with further collecting of materials and taking them back through the dyeing process, allowing you to build on what you have learned on day one.
Iron blanket eco-dyeing results in a stable dyed fabric that can be gently washed by hand.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Jane has an MA in Contemporary Visual Art from Falmouth College of Arts. An experienced facilitator, she has worked with Carnival Collective, Rocket Artists and Fine Art Printmaking students at the University of Brighton. Jane has exhibited in London, the Southeast and internationally and is a director at East Side Print, Brighton.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Places available - Book now
Places available - Book now
Places available - Book now
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