creative development – Off the Rails Arthouse

Pattern, Print, Repeat

Pattern, Print, Repeat- A Lino day workshop

Tutor Syrah Jay

25th June 2022

10-4pm

Course fee- £55 including all materials

So, what is Lino printing?

Lino Printing also known as lino cutting, is a printmaking technique, It’s an effective method for creating multiple prints of an artistic style using linoleum.

Wood is the more traditional block printing surface but lino gained popularity in the early 20th century as a cheaper alternative and has become not only a common surface for professional printmakers, but a great introduction to printmaking for kids.
The recesses carved out leaves the design in relief and it is the raised design that the ink is applied to and then transferred to the paper when pressure is applied by hand or printing press.

For this workshop there will be a textile twist, instead of creating paper prints as an outcome you will be printing onto fabric tote bags & cushion cover creating your very own repeat patterns.

All materials will be provided all you need is some inspiration.

To book a place on this workshop through Eventbrite click here

This is the first in a series of print based one day workshops.

Syrah Jay

I have always been interested in creative arts & crafts since a young age so it was inevitable that I would have a career in making. After graduating from DJCAD in printed textiles. I devoted my time to expanding my skills & experience by volunteering with creative organisations within Perth, Dundee & Angus.

In 2007 I opened Syrah Jay, to create and sell my own textile jewellery, since then I have developed my designs into more alternative materials such as cork, wood, concrete & jesmonite.I love to create something unique and wearable out of unusual materials. I also enjoy creating bespoke items of jewellery for my clients working one to one is an amazing collaborative experience.

In addition to my making, I also teach a range of creative skill workshops. Working with others is an amazing experience I have met so many interesting and creative people, that have greatly influenced my creative works.

www.syrahjay.co.uk

Critique Day- Fraser Taylor

Saturday June 20^th 2020

10-4pm

Fee:- £25

We are hosting our first special ‘Critique day’ at Off the Rails. It is open to anyone who has participated on a Fraser Taylor workshop (not necessarily at Off the Rails Arthouse – anywhere as long as Fraser was teaching the course)

This one day vibrant critique will allow you to share your work with a
supportive enthusiastic group of fellow artists/designers. You will
receive constructive criticism, which will help you to identify
strengths and establish methods and approaches on how to develop and
advance your practice. Every voice will be valued and relevant in
building a community and platform for discussion. Fraser will lead the day.

To book a place click on the Eventbrite link here

Off the Rails Arthouse Sketchbook project

We need to keep our spirits up and our minds ticking over!

This project is for everyone and no previous experience is required just a bit of imagination. It is also free!

So what is the idea?

All you need to do is find a sketchbook and then fill it with things relating to a theme chosen from a long list.

The sketchbook

Over the years I have collected loads of sketchbooks that have never been touched or have a couple of pages filled in. I am sure that many of you will also have a stash hidden away.

If you don’t have a suitable book, ask friends and family they may be able to give you one, alternatively you can make up your own- collect all sorts of paper or card e.g use computer paper or bits of found paper, maps, envelopes, packaging etc. then stitch them together to make a book. Or use old diaries or notebooks.

The themes

Choose a theme from the list below…..there are some cracking themes and perfect for imaginative interpretation! If you are going to participate please get in touch and tell us which theme you have chosen, it would be good to know if certain themes have been more engaging. Please let us know your theme in the comments box on our special Sketchbook Project page here.

Fill your sketchbook with…..

Drawings, photographs, writings, collections, collage, thoughts, jottings or combinations of them all. You may be a musician or an actor and have a very different approach to the sketchbook. It is all about thinking and developing ideas.

Here are some pointers to get you started:-

Be imaginative, turn things on their head, look at the theme from different perspectives, some pages may be very simple, some extremely complicated.

Use a variety of media and techniques, even if you are focusing on the written word think about what you are writing with and how it is presented on the page. Cut out sections, add bits, fold, hide, reveal.

Work at your own pace, you don’t need to work in it everyday. You may need time to ponder the theme whilst doing something else. Time is on our side. Enjoy the process.

For many of us a sketchbook is a private place to explore ideas and thoughts and visually put them into some sort of order. It can be shared or not, the choice is yours.

If you would like to share, post on Instagram (@offtherailsarthouse), Twitter or Facebook and hashtag #offtherailsarthouse #offtherailsarthousesketchbookproject #sketchbookproject #yourtheme

And then what…..

At some point in the future Off the Rails Arthouse would like to host an exhibition of these sketchbooks, possibly at the end of the year or early next year. We will have to see how things pan out before making any firm decisions but that is the long-term plan.

In the meantime through the Off the Rails Arthouse website and social media we will encourage sharing sketchbook pages…… it is your choice no pressure!

The project is inspired by The Brooklyn Sketchbook project.

We hope you will join our sketchbook project. Our daily lives might have been put onto ‘pause’ but what a perfect opportunity to give ourselves time for some creative development!

Claire Heminsley- Chair Off the Rails Arthouse

Themes

In 50 years

Ask me how I can help

The first ever

Hope

Things that change other things

In 10 minutes

Along the line

Dancing on the spot

What the patriarchy taught me

2 metres

The view from up here

Last orders

Diagram

Stocktake

The books that made me….

Hidden moves

At the end of the garden

Best before

Fill me with stories

Things found under car seats

Travel with me

The companion books

Transatlantic

It’s summer where you are

It’s winter where you are

Nothing new

Time traveller

Opposite day

Unchartered waters

Monochromatic

Long trips and short phone calls

Encyclopaedia of…..

Writing on the wall

A path through the trees

Stitches and folds

Heroes and villains

Forks and spoons

Superheroes in everyday clothes 

Make mine a double 

Great hopes and massive failures 

In 10 minutes

Bottles and jars 

Distance and time 

Photo log 

Memoir 

Super clothes on everyday people 

In 10 years 

Right here, right now 

Familiar friends

Lifeline