Wealden 2022

In this 2hr workshop, run by Polly Bennett (Wealden Lit Fest Artist in Residence 2022), participants will focus on learning how to grind and purify mineral-based pigment which they will turn into watercolour paint. They will also be guided onhow to make natural inks. The mineral and plant material used will be sourced from the nearby location of the workshop (the garden / woodland at Boldshaves), celebrating a sense of place and environmentally-friendly practices.

In this workshop participants will learn the following skills:

• The historical origins of pigment
• Responsibilities and health & safety of collecting natural materials and processing pigment and ink
• Different binders, specifically gum arabic and its history and sustainability
• Different types of natural pigment: mineral, metal compound, animal, plant, marine shell, charcoal
• How to grind, sieve and purify mineral into pigment
• How to create watercolour paint with pigment
• How to make natural ink with everyday kitchen products

On this workshop participants will take home a handout with notes and reading recommendations, hand-painted colour wheel, watercolour paint, purified pigment that they can continue to purify further at home.