2 day earth pigment workshop with artist Kuweni Dias Mendis

Join artist Kuweni Dias Mendis for an immersive exploration of earth pigments, from gathering soil to transforming it into natural paint. Participants will learn how local earth can be ethically collected, carefully processed, and used to create pigments for painting on paper and fabric.

Every place holds its own colours. By gathering, grinding, sieving, and refining coloured soils, we engage in one of humanity’s oldest creative practices while developing a deeper relationship with the land. Preparing pigments by hand encourages us to slow down, notice the textures and qualities of place, and discover how the land shapes the way we see and make.

The workshop introduces respectful approaches to gathering earth pigments and observing place through field notes, sketches, and reflective journalling. Participants will then use grinding and processing techniques to transform coloured soils into paint, discovering the remarkable colours held within the earth.

Using the pigments they have prepared, participants will paint on paper and fabric with their hands. Rather than focusing on representation, the workshop invites each person to develop their own visual language through an ongoing dialogue with the land, where every mark reflects the relationship formed through gathering, preparing, and making.

Suitable for beginners. No previous art experience is required. All materials are provided. Please bring an apron or wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Note: Participants will use their own transport to meet the artist at a collection site near Toogoolawah, and then will travel back to The Condensery for the Thursday afternoon and Friday sessions. Detailed directions to meeting location for pigment collection will be supplied upon booking.