Bore da friends,
This month gathers momentum towards the joyous clock change, when my side of the valley will no longer be ‘the dark side’ (cue dancing). As spring rolls in, join me for crafting landscape inspired books, mapping the terrain of creatives’ mental health and community storytelling of a special place in mid-Wales. I’ve also incuded some info about my coaching and mentoring sessions.
Landscape Book Art workshop: Saturday 22nd April, 1-5pm
Join me for this afternoon workshop at The Rural Art Hub near Ellesmere, Shropshire. We will walk, make visual art and make our own illustrated journey in book format. No experience necessary. The cost is pay-what-you-can up to £20.
Artists and Mental Health: Weds 17th May, 6.30-8.30pm
Also at the Rural Art Hub in May, creative practitioners can join Joseph and I for an evening of discussion and connection session for working artists and creatives. Starting with the idea of the future art world as a blossoming and diverse garden, we will explore themes of mental health for artists, what needs to change structurally for artists to thrive, and situating our practices within the current social, political and economic climate. We will map our conversation as a group of practitioners working locally and regionally in the area. We hope that this session will, as well as enabling a sharing of difficult experiences, generate positive actions, a shared sense of agency and holistic peer support through networking and sharing. This event is free but please book via Joseph at mothershippon@gmail.com. I hope we will also do an online session at some point for those interested in this theme further afield.
Memories of Bryntail & Llyn Clywedog: Friday 24 March, 10am-12pm.
For those of you familiar with mid-Wales, there is an online creative writing workshop this Friday morning where we will explore memories of Bryntail and Llyn Clywedog through creative writing and poetry. The workshop is suitable for beginners and more experienced writers alike. As well as producing our own pieces of creative writing, our words will contribute to a short film and community project about the area. This workshop is free thanks to Radiate Arts, please book via eventbrite.
Coaching and mentoring
I wanted to share a bit about the coaching and mentoring work I do, and don’t really shout about so much! At present I am working with a handful of lovely folk including students, people wanting to develop a creative practice and neurodivergent creatives. Using my arts experience, a life coaching qualification and learnings about wellbeing, I can support others via 1-1 sessions on zoom. My tools include deep listening, conversation, coaching, creative writing, art making, movement and meditation. When designing your bespoke sessions we will use the techniques you’re most drawn to.
Whether you’re a young person moving towards a future in the arts, an artist looking to develop your practice or simply looking to define what a creative practice looks like for you, I can hold space for you to follow your creativity. You might be looking for some creative space to support your wellbeing, or find new inspiration. This might take the form of practical advice such as art tuition or creating a portfolio. Or perhaps you are an individual or organisation with an idea that needs vision and airtime. We can use a whole bunch of creative materials and techniques to give your process some space and inspiration, and make a visual record of our conversation.
I’ve supported neurodiverse and disabled artists. Get in touch if your funding, direct payments or grants might support these sessions (we can discuss the pricing in line with your needs)
Thanks for reading, and look out for my mini poetry-essay on the craft of basketry heading your way this Friday.