Claire Benn - Out of this earth

Spend a week with Claire exploring working with earth pigments & soya milk on textiles

British artist Claire Benn lives and works in a converted barn in Surrey. Inspired by remote and wild landscapes Claire's work is a visual translation of what she experiences through cloth, thread and pigments.

Her work is exhibited in galleries in both Europe and the USA , as well as here in the UK and Claire's work is featured in both commercial and private collections.

This workshop is designed to introduce you to an ecological method of binding earth (or mineral) pigments to textiles using soya milk.

Claire has structured the workshop with a focus on sampling, to enable you to experience a wide variety of applications and approaches using pigment paints, and begin to understand the process.

The workshop will explore a wide range of approaches using liquid and thickened pigment paints and enable you to get to grips with the process. You'll work with a range of application techniques including calligraphy tools, brushes, fingers, silk screens, monoprints, stencils and stitch to build up layers of interest and intrigue on your fabric.

You’ll leave with knowledge, experience and a wide variety of samples – of a size that could be used for stitch or embroidery, small compositions, cushions, quilt-making or small bags. The teaching style will encompass lectures/explanations, group reviews & discussions and one-to-one time.

Throughout the five days you will build a wonderful resource for future work.

The workshop requires some preparation of fabric and samples before you attend - please read the course details in good time!
Click here for full details of this course, materials requirements and pre-course preparation.

No prior experience is required for this workshop as it is suitable for all levels.

Date: Monday 30th June to Friday 4th July 2025 (5 days)

Times: Monday: arrive for a 9.30am start, close at 5.00pm.
Tuesday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm.
Friday: 9am to 4pm.

Cost: 595 - this includes a £35 fee for media supplied by the tutor

Deposit: a £295 deposit will secure your place

All the wet media is included in the course fee but not fabric or other materials, please click here for full course details (downloadable pdf)

The cost of the workshop also includes morning coffee and homemade biscuits, a light seasonal vegetarian lunch and a pot of tea with a delicious cake.

Booking implies that you agree with our terms and conditions for in real life workshops.
You can read them here: The Small Print