This immersive two day workshop invites you to deep 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 deeply 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 two-day workshop is to fully immerse yourself in the technicalities and flow of Suminagashi, while also deepening your connection to intuitive creative practice. The length of this course allows for deep 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 all/most/some of the materials including equipment, vats, fans, straws, pencils, pins, newspaper strips, inks, isopropyl alcohol, surfactant, paper, card

What students need to bring

• Curiosity,
• Patience
• An apron

Available to buy

A good variety of art and craft materials are available to buy in the Gardens Gatehouse Shop.

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  
 

Terms & Conditions