Plants and Pigments

In a relaxed outdoor workshop, artist Kate Temple will introduce some simple ink-making processes using natural plant material.

On a short walk, explore the local plants which are suitable for ink-making and do some foraging. Then, experiment with different ways to extract colour and work with inks. We will play with making marks and drawings using simple tools and household modifiers such as salt, bicarb and vinegar.

You are encouraged to bring along any plant material that you think might make interesting colours. Please also bring a few empty jars and a fork from home.

About the contributors

Kate Temple is a visual artist living near Edinburgh, who works with installation, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting and performance. Recent projects include an Imaginate residency in a primary school focussing on collections and objects, a collaborative performance project about deafness and an ongoing project about the myth of Echo and Narcissus. Drawing and collecting are regular elements of Kate's practice. During the pandemic she has been working with plant material foraged from near her home and has been making her own 'living' inks; oak gall, acorn cap, tree bark, elderberry, bramble, rosehip, sloe, gorse, nettle, tulip petal, copper and iron.

Glasgow Seed School is a slow season of free workshops, talks and events. It aims to nurture seed stewardship and help growers build climate, food and community resilience. It is organised by Glasgow Seed Library, in collaboration with friends and partner organisations across the city.