Introduction to Natural Dyes Workshop - Camden Art Centre

A one-day workshop with Johanna Tagada-Hoffbeck

Inspired by the permaculture principles of re-use and zero waste, join artist Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck to learn the basics of natural dyes and reveal a palette of colours from plant-based kitchen waste, such as onion and garlic skins, tea, carrot peel and avocado pits.

This workshop is directly inspired by the method Johanna employs in her series of collaborative installations, ‘Penser, Manger, Partager’ (‘To Think, To Eat’ To Share’, 2015 – Present). Johanna will also share her experience growing and foraging plants responsibly.

It is an entry-level adult-only workshop, and no prior experience is required. The method can be repeated at home, with no additional material purchased other than what is found on most kitchen shelves.

All materials and a tea break will be provided.

Workshop dates

2-5pm

Book Now

2-5pm

Book Now

The Artist

Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck (b. 1990, France) is a transdisciplinary artist based in rural Oxfordshire. Her practice, rooted in ecological awareness, spans painting, sculpture, photography, publishing, horticulture, and participatory projects.

Johanna founded the independent, artist-led imprint Poetic Pastel Press in 2015, perhaps best known for its printed publication series Journal du Thé: Contemporary Tea Culture, which she co-founded in 2018. The deep ecology movement influences the imprint, with works printed in England using vegetable-based inks and distributed in over thirty countries. Poetic Pastel Press has participated in notable international book fairs, including Offprint in London and the Tokyo Art Book Fair. Johanna has also led and participated in talks on artists in publishing at venues such as BOAN Books in Seoul.

International imprints, including InOtherWords (UK), Chose Commune (FR), Nieves (CH), Hat Press (UK), Jane & Jeremy (UK), Editions Ulmer (FR), Ao-hata (JP), and Tombolo Presses (FR), have released publications on her practice. Her forthcoming photography book, Please Take Your Shoes Off and Come In, has been edited and published by Pon Ding (TW).

Johanna’s work expresses care and tenderness, reflecting on the fragility and beauty of life. Recent solo exhibitions include Dreaming About Tomorrow at Nidi Gallery, Tokyo (2022). Group exhibitions include Soil at Somerset House, London (2025), The Equal Right to Live and Blossom at Kate MacGarry, London (2024), One Foot in the Sky at Contemporary Sculpture Fulmer, UK (2023), and Edge Effects at Whitechapel Gallery, London (2024).

In addition, Johanna founded the collaborative initiative The Gardening Drawing Club. She has organised and facilitated workshops and learning programs for adults and children at multiple British art institutions, including Camden Art Centre.