Clay monoprints on fabric with Claire Ireland

Pottery and ceramics Art textiles

Ref: SLW31773

Location: West Dean
£526
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About this course

Learn an innovative method of creating sophisticated prints with clay. Produce dynamic and complex surfaces with layers of coloured slip, transferring them onto a specialist material and producing an archival print that is permanent, with no firing required.

Course Description

This inventive and unique method of printing with clay was developed by American artist, Mitch Lyons. A smooth China clay slip is used and mixed with a variety of pure artist's pigments. The prints are created on a shallow block of leather hard clay, set in a wooden tray known as a matrix. The layers of colour are applied in a variety of experimental ways, which can be painted and printed using slip transfer sheets, sponge stamps, stencils and mixed media fragments to gradually build up a sophisticated surface.

Printing with clay is very different from any other monoprint method. As the print is pulled, a thin layer of clay is transferred onto a fabric substrate. This type of printing usually generates only one defined print. In this case, however, there are enough layers of slip left on the matrix for additional prints. Each print will be different as the various slip layers are revealed.

Each stage of this technique will be explained and demonstrated with examples of finished prints and detailed handouts.

Timetable

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)

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the tutor will supply some of the materials, including a sample of completed prints, mixed media fragments, stencils and handouts.
  • On this course, the College will supply most of the materials, including clay, equipment, tools, rollers, slip and colours, etc.

What students need to bring

  • List items to bring:
  • Sketchbook and apron
  • Preparation - you should bring ideas and collect images to use as reference and inspiration. This can be found on Instagram, Pinterest, artists’ websites, postcards or from exhibitions.
  • Also, collect a selection of collage and/or mixed media fragments to impress into the clay, including natural and manmade items - feathers, leaves, embroidery, crochet, open weave netting, for example.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Sketchbooks, paintbrushes, etc. - optional

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio; this includes stout covered footwear (no open-toes or sandals) and safety boots if specified.

Tutors

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.