Join artists Stefan Herda and Callum Schuster for a workshop exploring natural and locally foraged materials used for making common drinks and inks. Participants will learn how to identify roots and plants that are currently in season as well as the histories of their uses and their medicinal properties. Dry demonstrations for ink and drink making will also be provided with an overall aim of taking a mindful approach to what and when we create and consume.
This programme will begin with a presentation on the practice of ink making where Herda and Schuster will discuss the history, uses, and methods of making various natural inks. They will provide detailed instructions for ink making through a dry demonstration and will provide premade samples of natural ink. Participants will be invited to write down the instructions with the ink itself and/or use the ink to sketch.
Following this, the duo will provide a drink making demonstration discussing similar ideas and processes as well as traditional uses and health benefits. Participants will be invited to sample a premade syrup mixed with carbonated water.
This workshop requires pre-registration to attend and will take place on the Ground Floor in Rirkrit Tiravanija’s work untitled 2013 (thomas demand’s here), 2022.
Biographies
Stefan Herda (he/him): Growing up exploring the ravines of Scarborough, Stefan nurtured a curiosity for botanical knowledge, leading to an art practice reflecting on natural processes and material experimentation through ink making, drawing, sculpture, and video. His work has been included in exhibitions nationally and was featured in CBC Arts and Daily VICE. Embracing his enthusiasm for cultivating landscape literacy and local ecologies, Stefan worked as a graduate mentor for Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag, a youth programme focusing on Indigenous-led landscape teachings, sustainability initiatives, and decolonizing private spaces across the GTA.
Stefan received his Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from the University of Guelph in 2010 and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Toronto in 2022. Stefan is currently a senior landscape designer for Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA Inc.) and lives with his young family in Picton, Ontario.
Follow Stefan on Instagram @stefherda.
Callum Schuster (he/him): Born and raised in Toronto’s West End, Schuster grew up exploring the Humber River, High Park, and various ravines quite extensively. This founded his curiosity towards plants and animals, guiding him to discover deeper connections between art, nature, history, and the idea of home. His work as an artist explores the landscape of mind and the psychology of space, creating autobiographical monochrome paintings from foraged objects, bridging theory and practice with mind and body.
Schuster graduated from the Drawing and Painting Thesis Programme at OCAD U in 2011 and his paintings have been shown in various galleries both locally and abroad. He is a founding member of artist-run project space, the plumb; is assistant to Jim Tolles, Captain of the Hunt for the Metis Nation of Ontario, practicing Indigenous Land Management; and a volunteer gardener for Donna Powless of Taiaiako’n Historical Preservation Society. Schuster Holds certificates for Ecologically Sustainable Herbal Medicine from Viriditas with John Redden and GACP (Good Agricultural Collection Practices) from the CHSNC (Canadian Herb Spice and Natural Health Product Coalition).
Follow Callum on Instagram @caschu.
