Workshops at “Off The Rails” in Dunkeld

What a wonderful couple of hours of gelatin plate mono-printing at “Off the Rails” in Dunkeld! Eleven lovely ladies, including three mother/daughter pairs, brought their creative energy and enthusiasm to a restored railway station, re-purposed as a community venue. The following testimonial was posted on the OTR Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/100064447221744/posts/pfbid02EUAtbGoEcZKtQgRKTPsV3ckoVs3pNFUYma6LyKywPwnACqjwT78ofwWf9hTAJv1Ul/) along with lots of great images of the workshop.

Wow! What a mesmerizing dive into creative expression!
Britt Gow led a fantastic workshop yesterday and everyone left with beautiful, one-off artworks! Thanks so much Britt! We are looking forward to Beginner’s Lino Cut printing with you next Saturday!

Here’s one take on Saturday’s creative adventure….

Hosted in the cozy, sunlit creative space that is Off the Rails Dunkeld, this workshop proved to be a captivating journey into the realm of gelatin printmaking. Under the expert guidance of Printmaker, Britt Gow, participants were treated to an exploration of techniques that fostered imagination and resulted in stunning, one-of-a-kind artworks.

The workshop began with an engaging introduction to the art of gelatin printing and how to make your own Gelli Plate at home. Clear and concise explanations made the process accessible to both beginners and seasoned artists, setting the tone for an inclusive and supportive environment.

The heart of the workshop lay in the hands-on experience of creating gelatin prints. The tactile nature of the process was incredibly satisfying, as attendees experimented with different tools, paints, textures, and stencils. The atmosphere was abuzz with excitement and curiosity as vibrant colors danced across the gelatin surface, ready to be transferred onto paper.

One of the workshop’s standout features was its emphasis on creativity and individuality. Rather than adhering to strict guidelines, attendees were encouraged to unleash their inner artists and embrace spontaneity. Watching as each participant’s unique style emerged was a testament to the workshop’s success in nurturing authentic expression.

Guided with the expertise and talent of Britt Gow, the workshop was not just about mastering a new technique; it was a holistic artistic experience that rekindled a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity. Participants left the workshop with an array of exquisite prints, each a testament to their journey of self-discovery through art.

Gelatin Plate Monoprinting

Monoprinting is a spontaneous and somewhat unpredictable process that can be easily achieved at home, without specialized equipment. The gelatin plate is a soft and malleable surface that can hold the detailed impressions that you make on it with brushes, botanical materials, stencils, masks and stamps. In my gelatin plate monoprinting workshop you will learn how to make your own gelatin plate and use it to create unique, layered artworks that can be enjoyed alone or used as backgrounds for multimedia, card creation or cut into collages. 

The next Gelli Printing Workshop will be held at the Lake Bolac Community and Business Centre on Sunday 11th December (2pm – 4.30pm) and will focus on festive printing to create gift tags, gift boxes and Christmas cards. You will be provided with templates to make your own christmas crakers, decorated with paper you have printed yourself. All materials and equipment will be provided and you will go home with a variety of printed papers. Please use the contact form here to make a booking.

Linocut Workshop at Merri View Gallery

On Sunday 3rd July, 12 participants came along to my Beginner’s Linocut Workshop at the Merri View Gallery, hosted by Warrnambool and District Artist’s Society. We had a busy day (9.00am to 3.00pm) learning about the tools and materials, the design process, carving the linoleum block and printing on paper. I was pleased that everyone had the opportunity to carve at least one small block and produce one or more printed cards.

As there were people unable to attend on that date and several on the waiting list, WADAS are pleased to host another workshop on Sunday 18th September. Jenny Adams is taking bookings, but we are limiting it to ten places this time, to give us a bit more elbow room! All linocut tools and equipment supplied, except bring your own apron, lunch and drawing materials.