This course explores the endless possibilities of combining rust printing with natural dyeing techniques to create unique artworks with texture, multiple layers and patterns.

You will build up layers of texture and abstract imagery onto fabric using these unique printing processes. Experiment with overprinting and over dyeing adding mordents and modifiers to each stage of the process to build up complex layers that tell a visual story. The emphasis will be on creating a set of experimental samples that explore a range of ideas that can either be used as reference materials for your future practice or combined into a final piece.

Experimentation will be an important part of this course, and you will be introduced to printing on a variety of cellulose and protein fabrics and learn how to manipulate colours, brighten or subtle hues, or completely transform the colour of your artwork giving additional meaning and distinctive edge to each artwork.

On the first evening, we will dive into rust printing examples and prepare our first rust parcels, setting the stage for two days of creativity and exploration. There will be time for individual tutorials to discuss how the process can be developed further through studio practice and possible future directions you could take. This course is suitable both for students with basic skills, as well as more intermediate students who wish to develop a personal visual language.

Included

On this course the tutor and West Dean will supply all of the materials including rust objects and twine, natural dyes, cotton sheets, raw silk and linen silk

Most materials required for the specific project set by the tutor or shared by the group.

What students need to bring

• Apron
• Notebook
• Spare cotton, Linen, silk (optional)
• Old rusted objects such as nails, tent pegs, rusted metal, tools, rusted object found in shed.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence

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)

Terms & Conditions