This immersive day workshop invites you to dive into Suminagashi — the meditative creative practice of creating images on water by floating ink or pigments on its surface.

Led by suminagashi/suminonga artist Lisa Ibbetson, who brings over 25 years of experience in this art form, you will be guided through a balance of technique, intuition, and discovery.

Suminagashi, meaning "floating ink", is a creative dialogue between the artist, the ink, and the water — neither fully controlled nor entirely left to chance. This workshop offers a space to step into that conversation, learning to make subtle interventions and discovering the creative freedom that comes from letting go of complete control over outcomes.

The aim of this one-day workshop is to immerse yourself in the technicalities of Suminagashi, while also deepening your connection to intuitive creative practice. Through experimentation with fluid composition, rhythmic mark-making, and the concept of impermanence, you will explore how this art form fosters both technical skill and artistic sensitivity.

By the end of the workshop, you will:

• Gain practical knowledge of Suminagashi materials and techniques
• Deepen creative sensitivity to rhythm, movement, and flow
• Explore the interplay of skill and spontaneity in visual composition
• Leave with a collection of original prints and a renewed connection to process

This workshop welcomes both technique-focused learners and those seeking a more contemplative creative experience. No prior experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to explore the fascinating dialogue between intention and surrender that makes Suminagashi so endlessly captivating.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials including: Equipment, vats, fans, straws, pencils, pins, newspaper strips, inks, isopropyl alcohol, surfactant, paper, card

What students need to bring

• Curiosity
• An apron

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm 
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions