Ecoprinting Bootcamp
November 5-14, 2024
Introduction
Ecoprinting Bootcamp is a technical deep dive into the alchemical world of ecoprinting. Whereas our other retreats balance workshops with trips and experiences, this bootcamp focuses more heavily on techniques.
Techniques taught
Core techniques focus on the ins and outs of eco printing. Through hands on workshops, students discover how mordants, tannins, and ph (through dips, baths, and blankets) affect colour both in eco printing and in natural dyeing. Relief printing, discharge printing, and layered printing add complexity to the possibilities. Students learn to use windfall and gathered botanicals, natural dye materials and extracts, and earth pigments to layer colour on cotton, bamboo, wool, linen, and silk.
Teaching method
The retreat starts with structured workshops showcasing specific techniques to help students understand the variables involved when eco printing and natural dyeing. As the retreat progresses, students begin their own experimentation based on the information learned. Over the course of the 10 days, the process becomes iterative, each day new information offers additional possibilities for the individual experimentation. Students go home with a) written instructions for replicating the work produced, b) dyed swatches created by themselves and their fellow students, c) a collection of beautiful unique cloth they’ve made using the techniques covered during the retreat.
Prerequisites
In this retreat, previous experience with dyeing or making marks on cloth is a strong advantage.
Logistics
This retreat offers at least 8 hours of instruction and studio time each of the 8 core teaching days. Cooking classes, hot tubs, and fireside chats give us a chance to relax and assimilate what we are learning. We eat together, italian family dining style.
The total cost of the 10 day retreat is 2700€
All meals, lodging, and materials are included. Lodging is in shared double room; single room on request at additional fee of 540€. Maximum 10 participants
Availability
Cotton ecoprinted with an iron blanket, a logwood carrier, and various leaves.
Bamboo dyed with marigold, ecoprinted with black locust and iron
Cotton dipped in iron, ecoprinted with a marigold carrier
Cotton interlock dyed with logwood, ecoprinted with leaves
Cotton iron blanket ecoprinted with eucalyptus
