Sketch & Stamp: Botanical Youth is an innovative educational project about nature exploration, botany, and photography for children aged 8-12 years. Designed by The Dock and led by artist Anna Leask, the project is part of Cruinniú na nÓg with pupils from Scoil Mhuire National School in Carrick-on-Shannon, and funded by Creative Ireland through Leitrim County Council.
Sketch & Stamp: Botanical Youth aims to provide children with a hands-on learning experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world while developing their creative and technical skills through photography, insights into plant identification, and the ecological significance of the River Shannon ecosystem.
The idea for the project stemmed from recognising the importance of incorporating nature into education, particularly at a young age. We believe that by immersing children in the beauty and intricacy of nature, we can inspire curiosity, creativity, and a sense of environmental stewardship.
Sketch & Stamp: Botanical Youth will unfold over a series of workshops and field trips, beginning with introductory lessons on photography techniques, including macro photography, composition, and exposure. Participants will learn to use their smart devices as tools for capturing the small details of nature, gradually expanding their focus to encompass wider landscape shots.
Throughout the project, participants will also learn about the rules of photography, such as focus, composition, and exposure, through both classroom sessions and hands-on practice in outdoor settings along the River Shannon. In addition to photography skills, participants will be introduced to editing techniques using smartphone apps, teaching them about filters, file sizes, and other important aspects of digital photography.
The project will culminate in the creation of Cyanotype prints, a historical photographic process initially used for botany in the 1800s. We will be looking at artists such as Anna Atkins and John Herschel, who used this photographic process to document botanical specimens in the 19th century. Participants will learn about Cyanotype printing and its relevance to botany while creating their own prints from images captured during the project.
Sketch & Stamp: Botanical Youth Project aims to empower children to explore their creativity, connect with nature, and develop valuable skills in photography and botany. The project will culminate in a community exhibition at The Dock, showcasing the participants’ new skills and artworks to family and friends.