Resins are produced in special resin cells in plants. They are also produced when an injury occurs to the plant, through the bark of a tree, flowers of a herb, or the buds of a shrub. Ancient cultures extracted resins for use in beverages, or smoked it to induce a dream-like state.
In the 1930s, scientists Dr Pierre Castan and Dr Sylvan Greenlee invented epoxy resin, a runny chemical with additives, used to form textures which began taking off for industrial uses in the forties and fifties, and soon made its way into the art realm. Its glass/plastic-like texture is extremely durable, has a long shelf life before having to be recycled, and doesn’t harm natural resources. However, it isn't biodegradable.
JOYCEE BAPTIST’ WORKSHOP IN GOA
Joycee Baptist is conducting a resin art workshop at Carpe Diem Art Gallery, Majorda, this weekend creating bookmarks, jewellery, coasters, name tags, and loads more in a two hour session.
Baptist graduated from the Suryadatta Institute of Designing, Pune, in 2018, with a BDes degree in Interior Designing.
“My motivation to pursue resin art is that you can customise an object as per your needs. I learnt resin art from Shikha Kothari, from Gujarat. Her work is detailed, and her products are fabulous! The other is Kumar from Bangalore, who’s into art décor on center and dining table tops that are unique and remarkable,” says Baptist.
Joycee Baptist and some of her resin art
The tools required for this art are art resin, epoxy resin and hardener, plastic cups to mix the resin and hardener, smaller cups to put small quantities of resin (adding colours/glitter), mixing it using a wooden flat stick, disposable gloves, plastic drop sheet, masking tape, plastic or metal moulds to set the objects, a face mask as the fumes can be toxic. The time taken to dry is 24-70 hours. It can be sun-dried; a hair dryer or UV light will speed up the process. When dried, resin is strong and durable, and complements wooden furniture. You can add any décor on coasters, frames, trays, plates, wall clocks etc. The objects are higher priced than other crafts, due to the cost of the material.
Regarding designs in her creations, Joycee is inspired by nature and uses decorative objects, flowers, plants, sea shells, starfish, and incorporates personal memories in jewellery. Since not many artists pursue resin art on a larger scale, she opines, the competition and challenges are few.
“After training for a year, I have conducted workshops in Pune for eight years, with 10 to 15 students in one session, in the age group of 16 years and above, and also do online sessions. I want to pursue it learn as much as I can. Five years from now, I want to have my own resin art studio and training center,” she adds
She paints on canvas, and has held over thirty art exhibitions in Pune and Mumbai. She also does wall murals, pottery and sculptures. In crafts, she specializes in making dream catchers and gift hampers.
Now living in Benaulim, this is her first workshop in Goa, and she plans on having more workshops at Carpe Diem Art Gallery and soon in North Goa, as well.
WHERE: Carpe Diem Art Gallery, Majorda
WHEN: January 29 to 30, 2022
TIMINGS: 4 pm to 6 pm
FEES: Rs 2,500/- (inclusive of materials)
CONTACT: +91 8888862462
