An introduction to paint and ink making, using naturally sourced pigments and media.
Participants will learn how to make their own palette of watercolour paints from natural mineral pigments and gum Arabic as well as traditional inks from oak galls. You will also have the opportunity to try these materials out by creating your own painting or illustration.
The workshop is led by Dr Ruth Siddall, a geologist specialising in the study of minerals and rocks used in cultural heritage. She has worked extensively on the characterisation and analysis of artists’ pigments, ceramics and building materials, including mortars, bricks and stone. She is a co-author of The Pigment Compendium and the author The Building Stones of Helston, a new guide published to coincide with Water and Stone 2023 (copies will be available from CAST Café). Dr Siddall is currently collaborating in research studying materiality with colleagues at UCL Slade School of Fine Art. She regularly leads guided walks unveiling the geological sources of London’s built heritage.
The workshop is part of Water and Stone/Dowr ha Men, a three-day celebration of granite, exploring the geological formation of the stone and its impact on landscape and built heritage, as well as the ways in which it is shaped by human industry and in turn shapes the lives of those who live and work with it. The event begins with a keynote by Dr Ruth Siddall on Friday evening and continues on Saturday with walks, a programme of talks and demonstrations, and on Sunday with more walks and a pigment workshop.
Water and Stone is made possible by the support of Falmouth University, with FEAST, Cornwall Council, Arts Council England, Cornwall Community Foundation and Helston Town Council.