Workshop by donation starting at $10, please register, Ages 16+
WORKSHOP Part 1: Sat Jan 17, 10am-3pm, AND; WORKSHOP Part 2: Sat Jan 24, 10am-3pm. This workshop requires that you attend both days for a successful result.
Come to this beginner workshop and tan your own beautiful jewel-like fish leather! You will learn how to oil tan or turn fish skins to parchment. The resulting skin/leather will be strong, beautiful and versatile. It will not have a “fishy” smell but may remind you of a lovely summer day at the lake. As a bonus an indigo vat will be available if you choose to turn your fish skin a gorgeous blue.
Sparrow Artist-in-residence, Metis artist Hilary McDonnell, will show you the steps from fleshing and cleaning to softening and drying so you will go home with a beautiful piece of fish leather to start your next project or just display and admire.
Fish skin leather can be used in many ways including sewing projects and book arts. Examples of sewn pieces and book arts pieces will be available to look at for inspiration.
Come dressed in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty as well as an old apron. Indigo will dye anything it lands on. All supplies and written instructions will be provided. There will be a one hour break at noon so please bring a bagged lunch.
About Hilary McDonnell
My name is Hilary McDonnell. I am a Metis artist, living and working in Moh’kins’tsis (Calgary) on Treaty Seven land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. I was born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in the lush area on the banks of the North Saskatchewan. I am hard at work learning traditional Metis skills, to bring them into my art practice today.
As a printmaker I love the delicate but extremely strong qualities of paper. As I began working with tanned fish leather, I discovered that it has the same transparent, textural and strong qualities of washi paper. I am bringing this beautiful material to making artist books and wearable accessories.
I have a BFA from ACAD (now AUArts) in Printmaking. As well as creating beaded art I make lithography, linocut, drypoint and etching prints and artist books. I am an active member of Alberta Printmakers Society. I am also a member of the Wasakamapiwak Collective.