WORKSHOPS

My workshops are an invitation to deepen our relationship to each other, places we call home and the more-than-human world. Amongst nature in urban environments, I hold participatory performative walks, and listening circles. I also offer process-based workshops – cyanotypes (sunprints), papermaking, drawing and wild sculptures - using natural materials.

AIMS

  • Playful sessions exploring the earth crisis, and social issues – explored both individually and as communities.

  • Celebrating local community spaces.

  • Gentle processes that have a low impact on the environment and people - working with discarded and low toxicity materials.

  • Workshops are planned and adapted to be inclusive.

  •  One-off workshops, or longer terms projects engaging more deeply with communities.

  • Using over ten years’ experience, working with all ages (including older people living with dementia in community and care settings) to share skills, gather, connect and listen.

‘Listening Circle’ in Victoria Park (London) commissioned as part of participatory programme ‘To Be We Need to Know the River’ at Lot Projects. A silent walk and deep listening activities. Image - Antonia Gangi

WALKS

I hold participatory performative walks at dusk, along rivers, towpaths and urban landscapes. During these walks text-based mantras are created and projected (with a portable video projector) onto rivers, iconic landmarks, benches, trees and urban structures we encounter. This work is a call to reflect on our relationships to both natural and human-made landscapes we live with and travel through.

AIMS

  • Participants make their own mantras, drawings and questions to project and share - initiating conversations around ‘home’, communities and environment.

  • Participants are encouraged to slow down and connect deeply with hyperlocal spaces that might otherwise be overlooked.

  • Experience walking safely together at night – in spaces such as dark canal towpaths or parks that might otherwise be avoided when alone.

  • Temporarily taking-over spaces – via walks and light projections - to create a collective message.

Here is an example of commissioned walks for Metal in Peterborough City Centre.

LOGISTICS:

  • Walks are scheduled around dusk when projected light is visible.

  • Ideally two walks – one exploring my example of a repeating-call and a second walk with participant made repeating-calls.

  •  A day is required to plan a safe/step-free route, and to edit participant made repeating-calls into a film to be projected.

  • Projector and torches are handheld and low lumen. Light won’t be directed at roads, windows or beings.

‘I needed that mediative space and reflection. As someone who has never felt at home anywhere, there were lots of meanings – thank you’ - Participant feedback

Walks commissioned by Metal Peterborough around Peterborough City Centre - participant text ‘your home holds truths comfortable and not’. Image: Metal Peterborough

CYANOTYPE WORKSHOP

Cyanotype printing is an alternative photography process using non-toxic chemistry that creates blueprints when exposed to sunlight or UV light. Contact prints are created using plants, leaves, flowers, interesting objects, or negatives. After the cyanotype has been processed the colour of the printing can be altered (toned) with plants. I offer one-off workshops or longer-term projects incorporating new or existing photographic images, or a more in-depth exploration of botanical toning with local plants.

AIMS

  • Learn an alternative photographic process suitable for all ages and abilities.

  • Connect participants to a green space - to forage for plants that will be used for toning images (or these can be provided).

  • Use Cyanotypes to document and learn about local botanical specimens.

LOGISTICS:

  • Cyanotypes can be exposed in direct sunlight, or a UV box in winter months.

  • Access to water and a sink/drain - prints are washed in shallow trays which need to be replenished.

  • Ideally - access to a room/space that doesn’t have direct sunlight or can be made darker whilst the chemistry dries (non-essential).

‘These are magical, can I take them to my room?’ - Resident feedback from The Mildmays (extra care home)

FEES

  • My standard daily rate is £300, plus planning, materials, and travel. Fees are negotiable based on the project.

  • I am on the DBS update service and have Public and Products Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Please email to find out more or to arrange a studio visit. My studio is 5 minutes away from Haggerston Overground Station in London and has step-free access, with a disabled access toilet. Further info about my work and CV can be found on my website. References are available upon request.