Experiments in Shibori and Etching with ST/ART
See the results from our ST/ART Autumn School 2025
ST/ART is a partnership project between our Learning team and Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) which has been running since 2004. The project is designed to engage individuals who are isolated by their long term health conditions, such as head injuries, stroke, MS and chronic pain, with different creative activities. It aims to reduce isolation and aid in rehabilitation and promoting health and wellbeing.
Our Autumn School of creative workshops took place during November 2025 and focused on the processes of Aquatint Etching and Shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique. Ten people took part, building their confidence and skills over several sessions. Here we take a look at how everyone got to grips with the techniques and share the finished results, which were displayed in Create Space.
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Shibori
This was the first time that this craft process had been included in this project and it was a real hit with participants. Designer and maker Syrah Jay took the group through the process in the relaxed environment of Create Space. Participants enjoyed experimenting through stitching, folding, scrunching, and dye layering, and created a wealth of finished fabric pieces. Syrah shared:
The amount of work produced was fantastic - every scrap of fabric was used. Every participant created lots of samples using the techniques but also created larger, experimental pieces by combining several techniques into one piece with overlaying colours.
Aquatint Etching
Artist Bruce Shaw led the group in Aquatint Etching in DCA Print Studio. Spaces were organised into working zones, allowing participants to take the process in stages and concentrate on taking it one step at a time. Across three days, the group bonded and gained confidence in the creative process. Participants shared:
Being in the Print Studio always makes me feel creative and inspired!
This is such a fantastic opportunity – more please!
ST/ART Celebration and Display
The Autumn School culminated in a celebration and display of work in Create Space.
Participants, family, friends and project workers got together on Thu 27 November to celebrate and admire the work created. The group were proud of what they had achieved and the finished prints and textiles made for an impressive display. They shared that they were “very surprised and satisfied with the outcomes”.
The space remained open to the public until Sun 30 November.
Feedback
Feedback showed the impact that the Autumn School had on participants, with those involved highlighting the welcoming environment, inspiration to be creative, sense of connection and positive effect on their mental health.
When I arrived my mood was low recovering from an operation. As the day went on I could feel my mood lifting as I was totally focused on our project. Connection with others also helped enormously.
Being with like minded creatives is always inspiring for me and provides a relaxed atmosphere where I feel able to contribute and socialise.
Thank you for letting me join this group, it’s really helping me move forward.
Really appreciated this workshop. My Community Mental Health Nurse has said to me how important these groups are for my mental health. I fully agree!
