​Sharmina’s work is exciting and different. She sells her work as paintings, often inspired from tile-work or Koranic manuscripts and undertakes commissions for people who want to have something specific represented. Using gouache or watercolour (which Sharmina prefers because of the movement and depth) in the final design, Sharmina aims to ‘decode’ original geometric patterns and art.  She recreates them with extreme precision, using compasses and mechanical pencils to achieve the first draft.

​Laura was in residence at Ardington School last weekend teaching Japanese Woodblock printing to a group of very enthusiastic students.  Laura’s courses are almost always booked up months in advance, and this pays testament to her reputation as a teacher.  One student said to me ‘what a privilege it is to be here – Laura is so professional and talented’.
 
What is Japanese Woodblock printing?
Japanese Woodblock is a water based printing technique that takes practise and a real feel for the materials. It uses watercolour paint with all the demands that particular medium brings; most prints are a build-up of many layers, all of which have to work. That said, the results are enchanting and it is a true table-top method: no press and no nasty chemicals. You get to use some exquisite hand-made Japanese papers too. You can read more about the entire process on Laura’s website.