Invasive Natural Inks and Pigments of Northern CA

Dates: June 30-July 2, 2023
Instructor: Elissa Callen
Fee: $300
Term: Summer 2023

 

Register for Workshop

Course Description

Join Elissa Callen in exploring the use of California invasive plants as art materials for inks, watercolor, and environmental restoration. Throughout the course, students will learn about native and invasive plants, how to ethically harvest plants as color for dyes, inks, and pigment, and how to process them into inks and watercolor. Students will also gain a better understanding of the importance of building a deeper relationship with the natural environment through learning about conservation and the ecological impact of their artistic practice. The class will primarily focus on using invasive plant species of Northern California, but we will also explore the beautiful campus and nearby to see what we can sustainably use on site.

natural pigments example
Elissa Callen

Instructor Bio

Elissa Callen is an artist working with local plants and fungi to make natural pigments, inks, and dyes that she further uses as the staple materials in her art practice. She holds a degree in fine art, has a professional background in horticulture, and nearly ten years of experience researching and practicing sustainably using natural materials for color. She has taught through institutions including Point Reyes National Seashore, Save the Bay, and the Sonoma County Mycological Society. 

 

She is passionate about California ecology and believes in using her work with natural materials as a means of increasing community interest in environmentalism, preservation, and connectedness to the native landscape. 

 

Website: http://elissacallen.com

IG: @slateandrust

Course Details

Course Schedule

Class will begin on Friday evening at dinner followed by a presentation, introduction materials and process, and an orientation to the workshop.

Saturday will be a full day of learning and crafting.

Sunday we will complete projects in the morning and end around lunch time.

Supplies List

Required: 

 

Foraging basket/collection bags

Comfortable shoes 

Water bottle 

Notebook and pen/Field journal 

Sunhat/sunscreen

 

Recommended: 

 

Personal watercolor paper 

Favorite brushes

Field guide books of the Sierra Nevadas

Small drawing board, or surface for drawing/painting while in the field

Lodging and Camping Supplies

Camping gear if you are staying on campus:

  • tent and sleeping pad (unless you are staying in our tent with a cot provided)
  • warm sleeping bag
  • pillow, toiletries, and towel
  • flashlight and lantern
  • alarm clock

Field gear for everyone:

  • day pack
  • sunscreen
  • insect repellant
  • water bottles
  • plastic containers for packed lunches
  • sense of humor

You might also want to bring:

  • camera
  • binoculars
  • hand lens
  • camp chair

Clothing:

The weather in the Sierra Nevada can vary greatly, even in a single day. Be prepared for chilly temperatures at night, even below freezing early in the summer. Rain is a possibility any time, whether forecast or not. Variable weather clothing that can be layered is best: long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, warm sweater and jacket, t-shirt and shorts or skirt, sturdy shoes or hiking boots, sun hat, rain gear, and a warm hat or gloves for cold weather and/or night activities. And, if you come later in the season, bring your swimsuit for afternoon dips in the lakes!