Pressed for Impact: Printing with Vegetables and Words of Wellness

Our Healthy Lifestyles art journey took a tactile turn, as students explored the textures, shapes and hidden beauty of fruits and vegetables through the art of printmaking. This session was all about seeing familiar foods in new, creative ways—transforming everyday produce into tools for artistic expression.

Led by artist and tutor Areej Abdi, the session introduced students to the technique of printing with food. Using halved and sliced vegetables—such as broccoli, celery, okra, apples, and peppers—the children applied paint and pressed them onto paper to reveal their natural textures and patterns. With each press, a new layer of colour and shape emerged, building up a unique and playful composition.

The excitement in the room was palpable as the children discovered the hidden “fingerprints” of their chosen fruits and veg. No two prints were alike—some created floral shapes, others resembled abstract landscapes or bold graphic patterns. The process was not only fun, but also offered a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the intricate design found in the food we eat.

To elevate the prints even further, Areej introduced a collage element. She had prepared a selection of magazine and newspaper clippings featuring words and phrases that connected to our healthy lifestyles theme—such as “stronger together,” “fresh start,” “fit and focused,” and “fuel your body.” Students were encouraged to choose the phrases that resonated with them, and carefully arrange and glue them onto their printed backgrounds.

The results were powerful. The combination of hand-made print textures and cut-out words created dynamic, eye-catching artwork that was not only visually engaging, but also thematically rich. These pieces spoke to the children’s growing understanding of how health and creativity can go hand in hand.

This session beautifully blended visual art, language and wellbeing, encouraging the children to think critically and creatively about the messages they want to share with the world. As we build toward our final exhibition, these mixed-media pieces will stand as bold, colourful reminders that healthy choices can be both inspiring and expressive.