Festival of Hobbies - Gelli Printing (Featuring Vicky Platt)

Fancy trying something different this new year? How about letting your creative side run wild for a couple of hours with a new, FREE workshop at Harland Works led by local professional artist Vicky Platt!

On Saturday 18th January between 12:30 and 2PM, Vicky will deliver an exciting taster workshop all about Gelli Printing, for people of all ages and abilities - exclusively for our Festival of Hobbies!

“I enjoy teaching gelli, it can be used in all sorts of ways such as collage, artists’ books and gift wrap. I personally capture images from my prints to use in my digital artworks of animals.”

Gelli printing is a fun activity that anyone can get involved in, with no prior experience necessary. This alternative printing technique works by applying acrylic paints to silicone gelli plates and making patterns with stencils and small tools. The resulting prints on paper are spontaneous, colourful and often surprising!

Vicky says “I started playing with the delights of gelli printing when a friend told me about it. She let me try out the technique with paints and her gelli plate and I was hooked straight away”. She also notes the importance of having a hobby like gelli printing, adding “I teach a number of art techniques and this is the one that I use for my own relaxation. Whatever your situation in life it is great to have an activity that you can enjoy and lose yourself in”. Vicky goes on to talk about the positive impact a creative hobby can have on your mental health, saying “Hobbies are a way to build your self confidence in an environment where judgement is set aside. Often, hobbies also provide the opportunity to socialise!”. 

The finished product printed can be mounted as artworks or used in a myriad of ways such as collage and greetings cards - so why not try something completely different this year!

Materials and equipment are provided and young children are welcome, but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.