L10

Painting with mordant pastes - applying plant colours specifically to fabric

Thurs 04 – Sun 07 February 2027

In this course, we will explore a special technique for creating with plant dyes: painting, writing, and printing with mordant pastes. This method allows plant dyes to be applied specifically and permanently to plant-fibre fabrics, opening up surprising possibilities. We will begin by learning how to create and professionally prepare a mordant paste from natural raw materials. Using brushes and simple stamps, the paste will be applied to various fabric samples – we will examine how different types of fabric react to the paste. Subsequently, the fabrics will be dyed in plant decoctions, which will visibly fix the painted areas. This technique is suitable for simple patterns as well as freehand painting or lettering. In addition to practical application, we will learn how plant-fibre fabrics are prepared for dyeing, how to mix different dyes, and how creative effects can be achieved with simple means. At the end of the course, everyone will take home not only a solid foundation of knowledge but also self-designed fabric samples.

Group of participants:Everyone with an interest in experimental work
Requirements:None
Number of participants:max. 12 people
Course times:Mon-Sat: 09:00–13:00 and 14:30–18:00, Sun: 09:00–13:00
Course fee:€350, for students €320 (excluding material costs)

Course management: LISA HERMANN, Germany
Born 1992 in Thuringia, lives and works in Hanover; B.Sc. in Intercultural Communication and Sociology, M.A. in Science and Society, until 2020 research assistant at Leibniz University Hanover; since 2021 self-employed as an artisan in the field of environmentally friendly production of colours from plants, soils and minerals; active as a lecturer at several universities and in the German Colour Centre. Her work combines material-related research, creative practice and the communication of historical and contemporary knowledge.
More info: https://www.instagram.com/hermi.colours