CoLab Project Hosts Biomaterials Workshop at the Sheep Farming Museum in Strandir
The CoLab project, Coastal laboratories connecting people and nature, is a collaboration between diverse disciplines that aims to provide open-access, foundational knowledge to coastal communities. The project supports bottom-up development of local economies and builds bridges that connect people to nature and culture through the lens of sustainability.
CoLab, which started in April, is led by the University Centre of the Westfjords, with partners Fine Foods Islandica ehf, the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, and the Vilnius Academy of Arts.
As part of the project, a Biomaterials Workshop will take place on July 9 at the Sheep Farming Museum in Strandir. The workshop invites participants to take part in a guided nature walk and hands-on biomaterials session, learning how to turn local natural materials into everyday objects through simple and accessible processes.
The workshop will begin with a guided walk in nature around Sævangur, where participants will learn to identify plants and algae and hear stories about their historical connections to local folklore and culture.
Following the walk, biomaterials designers will lead a hands-on workshop where participants will create everyday objects by combining local natural materials with natural binders, fibers, fillers, and pigments.
A paper-making class will also be taught in Icelandic by Rut Bjarnadóttir, a local textile and fiber artist. Participants will learn simple methods for making art paper using recycled biomass from plants and seaweed that are often discarded.
The workshop is designed for all ages and does not require previous design or art experience. Children are welcome with adult supervision, as hot plates and hot liquids will be used during the biomaterials session.
Space is limited, and registration is required to save a place.
You can read more about the workshop and sign up by clicking here.