Course overview

Step into a day of nature-based image making starting with a journey into the world of foraging where you'll discover the hidden wonders of wild edible and medicinal plants, with a focus on some species, their benefits and their spectacular forms.

Back in the studio, through drawing upon traditional printmaking techniques, use these inspiring forms to create your own personalised botanical compositions.

Alongside wild foraged herbal teas, infusions, and fresh coffee, a nourishing plant-based lunch will keep you going — including key foraged ingredients.

Workshop details

The day begins with a guided nature exploration led by wild food and foraging course leader Alex Bennett of Quinta Kismet, who will introduce participants to the tastes, hidden beauty and healing properties of local plants. You'll be invited to look closely, and appreciate the intricate patterns and forms within the natural world and how their structures inform their unique functions like the intricate veins of the nasturtium leaf that are responsible for the plants remarkable hydrophobic qualities.

On selecting your favourite plant forms, you’ll bring these treasures back to our studio. There, you'll compose your own design by arranging these botanical elements onto a soft ground-coated plate. Under the gentle pressure of the press, you'll capture the delicate impressions of each plant's intricate structure.

Guided by experienced instructors, you'll then etch your plate and pull a series of prints from it, revealing the unique beauty of your botanic impressions. By the end of the day, you'll take home a small edition of prints and your etched plate, with the option to return to the studio in the future to develop your work further.

This workshop offers a rare chance to connect deeply with nature and create artworks directly from the often-overlooked wonders of the natural world.