Is your summer going well? have you visited sussex prairie garden yet? and a trip to Indonesia 2025
I’m fitting in some news before the summer ends as it’s been an extraordinarily busy year. Emma Taylor and I put up our Resident Artists exhibition at Sussex Prairie Garden for the opening on 1st June and it didn’t seem long before teaching started in July. I’ve spent many afternoons in the Garden Room chatting to visitors about the artwork as well as teaching of course. This month Jo Hall, her husband Alex and the team have been keeping the Bazaar going with lots of wonderful fair-trade goods, veggie curry’s and entertainment. Bazaar remain on the prairie until Friday this week, hurry if you’d like a curry! Here’s a hello from Pauline with her new puppy and me.
There are a few new courses this year that link to the residency exhibition. The 2 - day ‘Introduction to Natural Dye’ courses signed up extremely well and the trusty one -day ‘Ecoprint on Paper’ courses have sold out 4 times with waiting lists for next year. It’s been wonderful meeting new people and hearing news from returners and regular garden visitors.
September brings my last 5 days of teaching at Sussex Prairies, I still have spaces on the one - day ‘Creative Visible Mending’, ‘Playful Paper Pots’ and ‘Handmade Natural Art Brushes.’ If you are interested in any of these, see further information below.
The annual Prairie Plant Fair is coming up this Sunday 1st September for those who need to stock up on garden plants and The Garden Room exhibition is on until the prairie closes 13th October. My remaining courses for this summer are up on the website here, please contact me at amandagduke@gmail.com if you would like to make a booking.
Scroll right down to see some details about a forthcoming trip I’m hosting to Indonesia with Aahillya holidays and some interesting information about Batik dyeing. Click on the links to see some mini video’s sent to me by Isha. She says she has taken some bookings for the trip so it looks as if it may run in May 2025. I’m very excited as it’s a new place to explore.
Creative Visible Mending
Saturday 7th September - Creative invisible mending - 1 day
Extend the lifespan of your knitwear and other garments by developing your own mending style with colourful stitches and patches.
We can sometimes get attached to certain items of clothing whether it be a faded pair of jeans of a well-loved knitted garment. It may be due to the comfort of wearing it or the memories found in the shape of the garment, the patterns, stitches, the feel of the fabric. Mending is a great way to extend the life of our clothing. You will be introduced to traditional darning for knitwear, using a warp and weft technique to create a woven patch to repair holes with colourful wools and threads. You will also be shown two alternative ways to make a patched embellishment for repairing and decorating jeans or other cotton clothing. You will begin to understand how to adapt your mending techniques to different weights and textures of fabrics and you will start a journey to find your own style of reparation and decoration.
Handmade Natural Brushes and Markmaking
Thursday 26th September - Handmade Natural Brushes and Gestural Markmaking
Using numerous Prairie Garden plants you will make at least 4 Handmade Art Brushes, more if you are a fast worker. There will also be readymade natural plant brushes available for you to use and take home, expanding your self-made collection. This is a compelling activity using naturally available materials to make unusual, unexpected, and exciting mark making tools and brushes. In the mark making activity you will be using Indian ink, but I will also show you how to make oak gall and walnut ink and have these inks available for you to experiment with. When you trial your tools and brushes you will discover a spontaneous and exploratory approach to making marks and botanical sketching. This activity provides an expressive, intuitive, and unrestrained approach to free and self-expression and can give some magical results. Time permitting, I will be show you some ways to convert your large-scale mark making experiments into sketchbooks and zines. Detailed notes will be sent to you after course completion.
Playful Paper Pots
friday 27th September - Playful Paper Pots
In this fun-filled creative 3D workshop you will experiment with at least two to three different construction methods to create sculptural pot forms using repurposed card and papers wherever possible. You will also practice at least two decorative surface design techniques using paint, ink, papier mache, and collage.
At the end of the session, you will take home 2-3 completed pot forms and lots of ideas about how to further develop this compelling creative activity at home. These quirky and expressive pots are suitable for ornamenting your own home or they will provide unique gifts for others. For those who are looking for an entry into making sculptural forms using readily available materials, it could provide the start to an incredible sculptural journey. The possibilities to work on a similar or larger scale after the course are endless.
New adventure – Join me on the ‘Textiles tour of Indonesia’ 2025
Indonesia is a country with a rich textile tradition. The country is home to a wide variety of traditional textiles, each with its own unique history and cultural significance. One of the most famous Indonesian textiles is batik. Batik is a type of resist dyeing technique that is used to create intricate patterns on fabric. Batik is believed to have originated in Indonesia, and it is still practiced today by a large number of artisans. Another famous Indonesian textile is ikat. Ikat is a type of textile that is made by tying the threads of the fabric before dyeing them. This creates a resist pattern on the fabric that is unique to ikat. In addition to batik and ikat, Indonesia is also home to a wide variety of other traditional textiles, such as songket, tenun, and tapis. These textiles are all made using different techniques and materials, and they each have their unique beauty. A textile tour of Indonesia would be a great way to learn about the country's rich textile tradition. On such a tour, you would have the opportunity to visit traditional textile villages, meet the artisans who make these textiles, and learn about the history and significance of these textiles.
Indonesian batik is a renowned textile art that has captivated the world with its intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and rich cultural significance. Originating on the island of Java, batik involves a complex process of wax-resist dyeing, where intricate designs are created using hot wax and natural dyes. The art of batik is deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, reflecting the country's diverse heritage and traditions. From ceremonial occasions to everyday life, batik garments are worn with pride and admiration. The intricate patterns and symbols often carry cultural and spiritual meanings, passed down through generations. Indonesian batik is celebrated for its versatility and beauty. It can be found in various styles, from traditional Javanese motifs to contemporary designs. Whether it's a sarong, a dress, or a home decor item, batik adds a touch of elegance and cultural richness to any ensemble. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, batik also serves as a source of livelihood for many Indonesian artisans. The craft is passed down through families, preserving a valuable cultural heritage. Indonesian batik is a remarkable art form that showcases the country's rich cultural tapestry. Its intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and deep symbolism make it a treasured possession for many. Whether you're a collector, a fashion enthusiast, or appreciate the beauty of handcrafted textiles, Indonesian batik offers a captivating journey into the heart of Indonesian culture.
Highlights of the tour include:
Visit to famous temples and textile museums - Participate in 2 Batik printing workshop - Natural Dyeing workshop - Village experiences – see farming, weaving, cooking, traditional houses and everyday life - Puppet making workshop - Visit to traditional weavers - Experience local culture and cuisine - 2 leisure days to enjoy sunshine at the Sanur Beach - Textile expert accompanying guide during the tour
click on these links to see more: Puppet making Ikat weaving in Ubud
Types of Indonesian Batik
Indonesian batik is characterized by its diverse styles and patterns, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the most prominent types:
Javanese Batik
Solo batik: Known for its intricate floral and geometric patterns, often featuring the "parang Rusak" motif.
Yogyakarta batik: Characterised by its bold colours and dynamic patterns, often depicting scenes from nature or mythology.
Cirebon Batik
Pralana batik: Renowned for its intricate floral designs and use of natural dyes.
Mega Mendung batik: Famous for its cloud-like patterns and vibrant colours.
Central Javanese Batik
Salatiga batik: Known for its simple yet elegant designs, often featuring geometric patterns.
Pekalongan batik: Renowned for its intricate floral and geometric patterns, often using the "lasem" technique.
Other Regional Styles
Malayan batik: Features bold floral and geometric patterns, often influenced by Chinese and Indian designs.
Dayak batik: Characterized by its simple geometric patterns and use of natural dyes.
These are just a few of the many regional styles of Indonesian batik. Each region has its own unique characteristics, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the country's textile heritage. click this link to see more Batik activity on the trip
Experience the magic of Indonesian batik with artist Amanda Duke. Join our exclusive tour and create your own masterpiece. click this link to see more Sultans Palace - Yogyarkarta
If you are interested in the trip do get in touch and I’ll endeavour to answer your questions and you can always visit the Aahillya website here
Holiday Dates: 01 May - 16 May 2025
Twin Sharing Room: GBP 2990 Per Person
Single Private Room: GBP 3790 Per Single
Above price does not include international airfare however if you would like us to book your flights then Aahillya can assist you with the airfare. Here is a last little video for you outside a temple Outside a Temple
i’ll be in touch in the Autumn with course dates for 2025, do get in touch and let me know how you are, and feel free to ask about anything in this news.
The Garden Room, Sussex Prairies 2024