During this two-day workshop weekend you will gain an understanding of the technique of blockprinting onto fabric, with a creative approach to pattern with the block.
The workshop runs from 11am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Attendance on both days is required.
The weekend is suitable for all skill levels and the project is designed to be achievable for all.
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Day 1 - Pattern
We will begin with a group introduction from everyone as well as an introduction from Louisa and her background as an artist block printer. We will move on to take a look at traditional Indian Block Printing along with a range of Indian textiles from Louisa’s collection, as well as looking at other artist/block printers such as Barron and Larcher and Enid Marx’s work. There will be a selection of relevant books available for your reference throughout the day.
We will then focus on our own printing for the day. We will begin by all exploring the possibilities of one given block design and its possibilities as a pattern repeat. From here you will then have a chance to create your own designs and discover your own pattern repeats. You will finish the day with a collection of samples to feed into your work for Sunday’s session.
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Day 2 - The Block
On Sunday, using the learnt pattern technique from day 1, you will now focus on carving your own lino Block for printing onto fabric. We will talk about printing techniques and studio set up, along with fabrics and inks to use for printing onto cloth. You will have a chance to play and develop this pattern before finally printing a length of fabric to take home with you.
All tools, materials, refreshments and a simple vegetarian lunch will be provided on each day over the weekend.
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Stay with us:
During this retreat weekend, participents are invited to stay and book into an all-inclusive weekend package that includes a two-night B&B stay at Kindred House (Fri 18th & Sat 19th October), along with full access to the weekend workshops.
During our events, the guest house is solely reserved for the attendees of the retreat weekend.
Kindred House is offered not only as a space to retreat to, but also to connect within as we invite our guests to be active participants in cultivating our community. Our workshops & various events play a key role in the spirit of Kindred House, in crafting an environment that actively inspires & encourages connection, creativity & learning.
Our retreat weekends make a wonderful gift to oneself or a thoughtful offering to a loved one. They provide an ideal opportunity for a weekend getaway in our sanctuary beside the sea, whilst having the opportunity to get creative, learn a new skill & make new friends along the way.
Rooms are limited & tend to get booked quickly so get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
The workshop weekend is limited to 8 places to ensure a safe working environment. If dates need to change due to Covid, you’ll be able to swap to the new date or obtain a refund if you’re unable to make the new date. Otherwise tickets are non-refundable.
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About your teacher: Louisa Loakes
Louisa’s work blends elements from her fine art practice and her intuitive approach to textiles. During her time studying at Wimbledon School of Art, Louisa developed a particular interest in Abstract painting, which continues to ground and guide her work across a range of mediums.
Working from her studio in Peckham, Louisa’s practice is focused on the beautifully simple, slow art of hand-carved block printing. Having spent many years researching the craft, she draws particular inspiration from the processes involved in traditional Indian block printing, and her practice interweaves Eastern folk art traditions with forms and patterns familiar to western languages of abstraction. As a self-taught block printer, she approaches fabric like a painting - or one of her charcoal drawings - creating delicate, twisting patterns that repeat themselves across its surface. Distinctive in their simple use of geometric form, monochromatic palette and signature dash of hand-painted colour, Louisa’s hand-carved block printed patterns are charged with a human touch, the irregularities that appear in the printing process giving each piece a distinct energy and identity.
Louisa’s current collection of textiles can be found at The New Craftsman in Mayfair and at louisaloakes.com. Her website and Instagram are also regularly updated with current projects, more information about her studio practice, and upcoming workshops.