2024 Nature Printing Workshops at Western Oregon University
With the support of a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, I traveled to Portland, Oregon, on July 7,2024 to attend the Nature Printing Society’s annual conference and workshops. The event, held at Western Oregon University in Monmouth from July 8 to 13, was an invaluable opportunity to expand my skills and connect with fellow nature printers.
Having recently joined the Nature Printing Society, I was thrilled to immerse myself in the techniques and community that define this unique art form. The Nature Printing Society is an international organization established in 1976 to promote and advance the art of nature printing. Its mission includes fostering education, organizing exhibits, and encouraging publications and demonstrations to showcase this distinctive blend of nature and art.
During the conference, I had the privilege of fine tuning gyotaku techniques. We printed a variety of marine life, including herring, bass, kingfish, and octopus. One particularly exciting new subject for me was seaweed. In a dedicated workshop, we printed Giant Pacific Kelp of various sizes using sumi ink, which highlighted the intricate details of this plant.
Another workshop introduced me to the art of tree ring printing, where we worked with various tree species, including the majestic Pacific redwood. This technique provided a fascinating perspective on the unique patterns and textures of tree growth rings.
In addition to the workshops, the conference featured presentations and culminated in a final showcase of participants’ work. This exhibit demonstrated the incredible diversity of species and techniques explored throughout the week, celebrating the artistry and creativity of nature printing.
One of the key achievements from this professional development experience was printing the Giant Pacific Kelp. This species of seaweed, known for its thin and delicate structure, demanded patience and finesse to work with. I am very pleased with the results, as this was my first exploration of seaweed printing and one of my primary goals for attending the workshop series. Since returning, my work with Pacific seaweed has inspired a new series of prints and mixed-media pieces using Atlantic seaweed. This ongoing exploration incorporates both fresh seaweed and dried, pressed specimens, offering new dimensions to my creative process.
As my work with impressions of Atlantic seaweed evolves, I feel an even stronger connection to the region. The ocean and the ruggedness of the East Coast have become embedded in the fibers of my paper and the layers of my canvas, grounding my art in the spirit of this place.
