Flower and plant pressing has been used as an art form for over a thousand years and for scientific study since the 16th century. In this workshop you will make a traditional strap press to take home and learn how to safely collect and prepare plants ready for pressing. You will also learn about different types of presses and the pros and cons of each method. In the afternoon you will discover creative ways to use your pressed plants, this includes making contemporary Oshibana pictures using a selection of the tutor’s own pressed plants.
Tutor: Marion Sidebottom
Marion is an artist, photographer & workshop tutor and enjoys working in many different medias but most of them involving plants. She is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and was Artist in Residence in Epping Forest supported by Arts Council Funding. She has won awards for her photography including an RHS Gold medal and 2nd place in the category of International Garden Photographer of the Year.
She teaches a wide range of workshops including cyanotype sun printing, photography, smartphone photography, plant pressing & oshibana, and printmaking. She has been teaching workshops for the Royal Horticultural Society since 2016. Marion has exhibited her work in both group and solo exhibitions and takes part in the Burnham Art Trail in Essex most years.
She loves experimenting and combining different medias, and is never happier than when researching techniques, teaching or attending workshops herself!
