Welsh artist and writer Kathryn John shares insights into her practice making ink using pigments sourced from nature, such as rosehips, pine charcoal, avocado stone and oak galls

*Kathryn’s black markings with oak gall ink*

Kathryn, first of all, what are oak galls?

Oak galls (or oak apples) grow on acorns, leaves and branches of oak trees in reaction to a wasp laying an egg on the tree.

What inspired you to start gathering materials from the natural world to make ink?

I’ve collected things while out on walks for many years. In 2015 I was introduced to the process of natural dyeing by an artist I was training with. She had a beautiful book of her naturally dyed wool swatches. I began researching the process and found it fascinating. I wanted to move away from using synthetic paints in my work, so started to make ink from materials found on my walks.

Why do you like to write and sketch with oak gall ink? How does it feel different to other inks?

The whole process of making and using the ink is a full body, sensory experience. I find it medicinal. Each ink has its own personality, unique smell and texture – when they meet on the page it is a whole different alchemy to other inks.

Tell us about other inks you've made.

I’ve made ink from wild blueberries, blackberries and red dock seeds gathered in the Peak District. Also, yarrow, gorse flowers and roses from the West Wales coast. Blue from copper pipes. Pink from avocado skins and yellows from pomegranate.

What do you enjoy about the process of ink making?

I enjoy how much the process is like being a child again, making potions in the garden. Also, it teaches me a lot about patience. If there’s a particular plant I’d like to work with, I need to wait until it’s in season. It isn't about taking too much of something – the birds, insects and animals rely on this plant too. We are all part of the whole living system. It also feels like a radical act to reclaim a traditional craft in this way and step away from consuming mass-manufactured stuff.