Firstly, you will watch a video on the traditional methods of making indigo dye with sukomo which stabilises the colour. The technique has been passed down from generations. After watching the video, you will learn the process of preparing the liquid dye and Konnyaku starch.

You will be provided with one sheet of Japanese paper (32 cm x 48 cm). You will then strengthen the paper by applying the starch (konnyaku) onto the paper with a brush. This is then left to dry. You can then dip the paper to the liquid dye, wash the paper, then finally dry the paper to complete the work. You can repeat the process of dipping to create layers of colour on the paper.

At the end of the course you will go home with the knowledge of how to make indigo dye and the konnyaku starch and an indigo dye dipped paper artwork.

Please note Mieko Fujimori is a Master indigo dye specialist at the Awagami Paper Factory in Japan and is travelling from Japan to teach this course. As she is a non-English speaker, we have asked Akiko Fujikawa (Japanese woodcut printmaker) to act as interpreter during the course. You will learn by demonstration and close observation of the techniques as well as interpretations from Akiko.

This workshop will focus on using an indigo dye vat. The course may not be suitable for those with nut allergies or sensitivity to natural plant dye materials and chemicals.

This course is part of our Japanese influence’s week led by talented artist-tutors:

Yoichi Fujimori (Japanese paper making) Mieko Fujimori (Indigo dye artworks on Japanese paper) Wayne Meeten (Japanese hammer chased and inlayed moon dish) Rie Tsuruta (Exploring Japanese pottery) Lucy May Schofield (Japanese woodblock printed landscape bound in a scroll) Rie Takeda (Calligraphy) Helen Turner (The art of imperfection in painting – wabi sabi)

Each course explores a different aspect of the influences and techniques of Japanese art and craft and how they may be applied to contemporary practices.

Each tutor will be invited to give a short talk (10 minutes) about an aspect of their work relating to the theme of the week on Tuesday evening at 5.15pm. Participants will also be encouraged to visit other courses to see work produced across the varied approaches offered in the week.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials including one sheet of Japanese paper (32 cm x 48 cm), 3 sheets paper treated with konnyaku, 10 sheets paper untreated with konnyaku, sukomo (fermented indigo plant matter), konnyaku starch, sodium hydroxide and hydrosulphite.

What students need to bring

Apron (waterproof may be best) no long sleeves

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good variety of art and craft materials

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
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions