Painting Program: Investigation of Naturally Sourced Pigments and Ecological Paper
We are deeply passionate about the environment, and this course will not only teach you how to create art using nature but also help you understand the connection between materials and their sources.
Collect Natural Pigments with Trina Brammah
Join visionary artist Trina Brammah as she guides you through the process of collecting natural pigments and making durable paint. With over ten years of experience working with earth and stones, Trina has recently expanded her expertise to include plant dyes, using ancient fine art techniques. Together, we will experiment with new colors and durable binders. Living near indigenous Kechwa villages, we have access to traditional plant dyeing knowledge, which is unfortunately becoming scarce.
Trina believes in the healing properties of the earth and stones she uses, and she has developed a unique style. She will be present in the studio to assist you as you practice painting with these pigments. We can hike to stunning nature spots where pigments are found, just an hour's walk from Sachaqa. If a long walk isn’t feasible, there are plenty of nearby collecting spots.
optional - Hike to Anakiwi River in search of a yellow - Iron Oxide (3-hour hike)
A 20-minute uphill walk from Sachaqa will bring us to a viewpoint over the Cordillera Escalera conservation area. We will then continue to the Anakiwi River, where we’ll have the chance to collect iron oxide pigments from ancient rock formations, swim in clear river pools, and enjoy a picnic lunch. This hike involves crossing the river several times and includes a 60-minute walk to a special spot where Anakiwi meets the Cumbaza River.
Trip to the native community of Chunchiwi (2 hour walk)
In the Kechwa Lamista territory which spreads over 5’492.5 hectares, workshop in traditional ceramics. Traditionally the clay is kneaded together with a powder called shano in preparation to make ceramic pots and bowls, painted with natural pigments. When the clay is dry the pots are fired on a traditional open fire called 'Shuntu.'
The views on the walk back from the community are really beautiful and we can collect natural pigments along the way. A pallet of red, orange, yellow, green and brown.
Trip to Lamas Town the capital of the Kechwa people.
There are two very different areas to explore in Lamas. At the top of the hill Lamas feels more like a quaint European town and actually houses a castle built by an Italian millionaire. Then a few minutes downhill we enter Wayku a large indigenous Kechwa community. Where we can buy some really lovely hand-crafted souvenirs.
We are going to escape from the main tourist area and journey to the back streets where real life happens. Learn how to make plant dyes with a local expert. It is really special to be invited into a Kechwa home where we can spend time with a local family, and eat in a Kechwa home, with food collected locally and cooked on an open fire.
Back in the studio Trina can show you how to make the dyes into durable paint.
Trip to Chazuta Paper-Making and Ceramics course, Chocolate making, and hike to the sulfur springs of Chazutayacu. 'El Duende Ecolodge'
Including 30 sheets of A3 paper or 15 sheets of A2
-
Day 1: Attend a paper-making demonstration, have lunch at Rio Bosque Magico (a cacao farm), and participate in a ceramics course. Visit Mishky Cacao to learn about chocolate making.
-
Day 2: Get involved in the paper-making process, including washing pulp in the River Huallaga, and hike to the Sulphur Springs of Chazutayacu for a relaxing soak.
-
Day 3: Continue with the paper-making course, experimenting with plant dyes and organic collage. We will also return to the ceramic workshop to paint your pottery with natural pigments and learn about traditional symbols.
One Day paper making experience not including paper
ncludes a paper-making demonstration, lunch at Rio Bosque Magico, and a choice between a hike to the Sulphur Springs of Chazutayacu or a ceramics course.ceramics course.
You can't go to Chazuta without learning how to make chocolate.
Learn about the different stages in cacao production and participate in the labor process, how to ferment and dry the cacao beans ready to make chocolate.
Prepare the most amazing energetic chocolate. Visit chocolate factories that produce high-quality chocolate – certified to export.
.jpg)
Why not have a go at painting a Mural?
Murals are a perfect way to give back to the community. The great thing about natural pigments is that they are free and in abundance. Once we have painted on paper, board, or canvas; We can largen our scale to paint on a wall. The base, unfortunately, has to be synthetic and if we would like our mural to last our binder is best with wood-glue.
Develop your work in the studio
After we have collected our materials we can spend time developing our ideas in the studio. If you would like to display your work after your residency we offer various online platforms where you can share your work with a larger audience. An exhibition is entirely up to you, we can invite friends from our local community to the studio, light a fire in the garden and celebrate. if you would like an exhibition in the city of Tarapoto there are various cafe-bars where we can exhibit. The city is always changing, so this can be a very spontaneous event.
Basic Program 2023: one month 1600soles 450USD - two weeks 1000soles 280USD
Basic Program 2024: one month 1800soles 550USD - two weeks 1280 soles 350USD
PAINTING PROGRAM PRICE
Our painting program activities range between 100USD and 875USD let us know which activities most interest you and we can send you a breakdown of prices.
Includes; Teachers, translators, transport to course destination, and food during the Chazuta trip only.
Group chats in the studio -Trina Brammah talking about her work.
It's great to get together and talk about our creative process.