Tetra Pak Workshop with Joe Purches
Saturday 30 May 10-4
£90 includes lunch & refreshments
To book: office@midwalesarts.org.uk or eventbrite (fee applied) link above
A one-day tetra-pak intaglio printing workshop offers an engaging introduction to printmaking using recycled materials. Participants begin the morning by learning how to transform cleaned food packaging into printing plates, discovering how the soft, layered surface can be incised, scored, or textured to hold ink. With guidance, they experiment with simple tools to create lines, tones, and patterns, exploring both controlled mark-making and more expressive techniques.
As the day progresses, attendees are introduced to the fundamentals of intaglio printing, including inking and wiping the plates to reveal their designs. They learn how to apply ink into the etched areas and carefully remove excess from the surface, a process that highlights the unique qualities of the tetra pak material. Using a printing press, or hand-burnishing methods where appropriate, participants transfer their images onto dampened paper, revealing rich, tactile prints with surprising depth and detail.
By the end of the workshop, each participant will have produced a small series of original prints and gained a solid understanding of this accessible technique. The session encourages experimentation and creativity, making it suitable for beginners as well as those with some artistic experience. It also fosters an appreciation for sustainable art practices, showing how everyday materials can be repurposed into expressive and visually compelling works of art.
Suitable for beginners to more experienced wanting to further their knowledge Materials are provided.
Further information: contact office@midwalesarts.org
Travelling from further afield? We have B&B accommodation available
About the tutor: Joe Purches With a background as a professional photographer and graphic designer, I bring a strong visual sensibility and technical precision to my workshops. Growing up as the son of a master printer, I’ve been immersed in the world of printmaking from an early age, developing a deep appreciation for both traditional processes and the craftsmanship behind them.
My knowledge spans a wide range of techniques, including traditional photography, cyanotypes, intaglio, drypoint, monoprint, and collograph. This hands-on expertise allows me to explore the expressive possibilities of each medium while maintaining a strong connection to the history and discipline of printmaking.