2nd part of the The Colours of Nature project.

Through this workshop, students will discover the origins of organic or vegetal colours and how the simplest of plants can be used as painting material. We don’t need to rely on the industry for ink or dye. By using leaves, petals and fruits, we can create a product that can be used with rubber stamps, calligraphy, and even on canvas.

On this second part of the Project, students will be able to create their own colour lab.

The organic materials in our surroundings can provide us with colour!

Colour lab

• How to organize our colour lab:
• Find transparent pots to fill with the colours.
• Choose which plants to use when making ink. It is better to look for plants in your area. Keep in mind that the shinier the plant colours, the stronger the ink colour.
• Classifying the plants, noting: picture of the plant; where it was found; its name and characteristics; putting it between towel paper, and under a weight.
• Extracting the plant’s colour, following the rest of the process to obtain the ink.
• Showing the extraction results once we’ve strained into the pots. We’ll add vinegar (which will help the ink retain its colour) and salt (to prevent fungus from appearing).

Objectives:

Observing the environment.

• Using natural elements in a sustainable way in creative practise.
• Understanding how work can directly interact with the environment.
• Understanding the place where you’ll be working.