Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme Small Partnerships in Adult Education (KA210-ADU), the fourth activity of the ‘ECOPRINT in Nature’ project, supported by the Directorate for EU Affairs and the Turkish National Agency and coordinated by our University, was successfully completed with various activities held between 13-16 September 2024.
The activities held within the scope of the project started on 13 September 2024 at Kastamonu University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design with the exhibition and practical trainings moderated by project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önder Tor. In the opening speeches, the importance of environmentally friendly art techniques was emphasised and all institutions and individuals participating in the project were thanked. Representatives of the University of Life Sciences Warsaw (SGGW), Youth on Board (YOB) and Sarı Konak Women's Initiatives Production and Business Cooperative (KSSK) as well as many guests were present at the event.
Following the opening, Assoc. Prof. Dr. F. Müjde Gökbel Yavuzoğlu gave a presentation on Ecoprint techniques on ceramic surfaces. During the presentation, the participants learnt in detail about the use of various plants grown in Kastamonu and had the opportunity to try printing techniques on ceramics using plant leaves and flowers. Scientific information and technical tips on how the Ecoprint technique contributes to sustainable production processes with natural materials were also shared with the participants in this event.
The second day of the event continued with the Ecoprint workshop held at Mevlüt Beyribey Guest House of our University. In this workshop, Ecoprint techniques were applied on various fabrics that were mordanted (treated before natural dyeing). In this practice, which combines nature and art, works were carried out especially on silk fabrics. Participants learned how to create natural and permanent patterns on fabrics by using leaves of trees such as chestnut, walnut, maple, cypress, linden, acacia, weeping willow, plum as well as flowers of various colours. In this process, it was demonstrated how natural materials are processed and transformed into printing techniques, and the participants discovered how they can transfer the richness of colour, texture and pattern of plants in nature to works of art.
In line with the cultural interaction objective of the project, the participants were offered the opportunity to explore the natural, historical and cultural sites of Kastamonu on 15 September 2024. In the excursion programme, the landmarks and natural and cultural richness of the city were visited.
On 16 September 2024, the last day of the event, this phase of the ‘ECOPRINT in Nature’ project was successfully completed with the exhibition held at the Kastamonu University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Exhibition Hall.
The opening of the exhibition was attended by our academic and administrative staff, participants in the project and invited guests.
In the exhibition, ceramic works and Ecoprint applications on fabric made on the first day were exhibited. While the participants had the opportunity to closely examine these works inspired by nature, the importance of sustainable art and creation processes intertwined with nature was once again emphasised. At the end of the exhibition, participation certificates were presented to the participants.
