About the event

We will ask ahead of the workshop for participants to bring with them a quote, a poem or even a shopping list that may reflect this time of the year and the changing seasons. Ink Jam will prepare a selection of artists’ books (a work of art in the form of a book).  Starting with our prepared selection of small artists books, we will walk a short route starting with our concertina books using pen/sticks, brushes and different dilutions of inks. We will look at lines in the landscape, varying thicknesses and subtlety of form and texture in branches, twigs and grasses, as they change and become more skeletal. We will encourage experimentation using mark making techniques, found sticks and a selection of natural materials we have brought along too- feathers, dried foliage, stones and twigs. Our concertina books will document a walk through the pages, perhaps following the horizon or a path through, and opening out into an artwork that captures the wider expansive landscape. During the second half of the walk we will offer the zines as another book format to explore. Each sheet of paper will be folded into small books, every page a new surface to work on. We will bring a selection of graphite sticks, charcoal sticks and a variety of pastel grey and golden tones to use. We will find the quality and variations of light and dark changing as the summer turns to autumn, with shade and golden light becoming more intense. Some of the pages will be black, grey, or golden- and we can consider how this transforms our drawings. We can blur our eyes and bring out abstract shapes. We will take time to rest, slow down and enjoy the light and shadow play within the landscape. This zine may also be used with words participants have brought with them and can be opened up to reveal a large abstract study of light and shade. If time and indoor space allows we can follow this outdoor workshop with some indoor time developing our artists' books. We will introduce ways of doing this, adding elements such as collage (playing with scale and surrealism), or introducing colour and pattern with stamp making. We can make further books that the participants can continue to use at home or out on walks.

Wilder Communities 30x30 is a Somerset Wildlife Trust project running from March 2023 - March 2026, thanks to The National Lottery. This project focuses on supporting communities to take meaningful action for nature, and connect to their local spaces through learning, arts and actions.

Please bring water and lunch/snacks and wear appropriate clothing for indoor/outdoor exploration.

The true cost of this event is £30 per person but we are able to offer free spaces with thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund. Please consider making a donation if you feel able to do so to support future events.