Sydney Design Festival LookDrawPrint Motif Workshop

Julie Paterson, artist and designer of ClothFabric, is offering two one-day creative development workshops at her purpose built studio in the Blue Mountains - this one is on March 9. (Another the same is on April 6.) In these workshops participants learn to loosen up, reconnect with their creativity and make their own hand printed artwork on fabric. They will work with simple tools and basic print processes, learning some of the skills that Julie has been employing in own design work for the past 25 years. ‘So many people have forgotten that they were born creative – that they can access this thing that makes their life more fulfilling,’ says Julie. ‘It has become important to me to guide people back to that knowledge.’

To that end, she has simplified her own creative process and created what she describes as an imperfect workshop for the creatively curious. The process is dynamic, challenging, playful and productive.

Over the course of 7 hours, participants explore mindful creativity, embrace chance and become friends with imperfection to make their own unique multi layered artwork. Prior printmaking experience isn’t necessary – this is a workshop that anyone can do. Julie is always keen for beginners to come along: 'Becoming more creative is just a matter of using that creative muscle. LookDrawPrint is a way to kick-start that process.'

These are accessible, inclusive workshops, open to any one over the age of 16. The groups are small - only 6 per class - and very popular, so make sure you book early.

Julie recommends that you come up to the Mountains and stay over the night before the workshop starts so you are fresh and raring to go on the day. If you do the workshop with a friend or two you might like to stay in one of her two ironstone cabins. Rough Track Cabins are set right in the bush on the edge of the Blue Mountains National Park and can accommodate 2 – 3 people each. Alternatively, email Julie for other nearby places to stay. A morning tea and vegetarian lunch (made by Manda, Julie’s partner and modestly excellent cook) using ingredients grown in their garden, is included in the price of the workshop. Accommodation is of course, optional and additional.

To see the cabins, go to roughtrackcabins.com.au.

To enquire about other options for accomodation or to learn more about the workshops, email Julie at julie@juliepaterson.com.au