Moth and butterfly artist books – linocut and botanical monotype printmaking with Dr. Fenja T. Ringl (Copy)

Course Brief Snapshot
In this weekend workshop, immerse yourself in the world of moths, butterflies and plants through printmaking and artist book assembly. Guided by entomological and botanical themes, you will explore two printmaking techniques – linocut and gel plate botanical monoprinting – to create beautiful three-dimensional artist books from your artworks.

• Dates: 20 – 21 September 2026
  
• Days/Times: Saturday and Sunday, 9.30am – 4.00pm
• Venue: NatureArt Lab Studio, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith;

About the course/workshop 

In this workshop, you will have access to NatureArt Lab’s printmaking tools and materials as you work in relief print (linocut) and botanical monotype under the guidance of a professional printmaker. Design and create insect linocuts from your existing drawings or photographs, learning about plate design, printing methods, and tool and equipment choices. Then delve into the creative fun of botanical monoprinting using real plant specimens and gel plates, to create colourful and unique background images on which to print your linocut designs. Finally, cut up and assemble your artworks into sculptural and tactile ‘books’. At the end of the workshop you can expect to have produced two beautiful artist books made from professional printmaking paper, featuring your unique linocut and botanical designs.

Learning Outcomes 

• Learn how to develop and create printed images using positive and negative ‘space’, gaining experience with layering, composition and mark-making.
• Gain familiarity of materials and equipment used with each printmaking technique.
• Gain experience of the printmaking process, possibilities and limitations, through focused in-person study of the natural world, and through the translation of these characteristics in different printmaking techniques.
• Learn how to create a variety of artist book styles from your printed papers.

Practical sessions 

Each workshop day is dedicated to practical printmaking experience, with short intervals for planning and demonstrations.

Level of course/workshop

The workshop is suited for beginners to intermediate students, with some basic experience in linocut printmaking recommended due to the pace of the workshop over two days.  

Materials: Materials will be supplied and are included in the cost of the course.

An materials list of additional supplies will be provided prior to the start of the first class.

Draft materials list for participants:

• Apron
• Pencils, pens, markers
• Ruler
• Paper folder (bone, plastic or Teflon)
• Fine utility knife and scissors
• Plain printer paper (around 20 sheets)
• Baby wipes
• Reference images for your linocuts.
• Your own botanical specimens on day 2 if preferred (fresh, flat and floppy materials are best suited), although some will be provided. Sharp objects cannot be used as they risk damaging gel plates.
• Any special paper you would like to print on.

We will provide:

• NAL printmaking press and gel plates
• Inks (Akua), rollers and other inking and cleaning materials
• A supply of printmaking paper

Level of workshop
Suitable for beginners.

About the tutor
Dr Fenja T. Ringl is a Canberra-based printmaker with a passion for nature-influenced art that reflects Australia’s unique ecological and cultural environments. With a professional background in archaeology, palaeo-ecology and science communication, Fenja draws inspiration from years of travelling and working across Australia’s diverse landscapes. Fenja initially explored printmaking as a way of interpreting the natural world while on fieldwork years ago, and has since developed printmaking into a full-time occupation/obsession.