03 Dec Workshop and event news, planning for 2020 and beyond
Planning ahead and organising my teaching and event diary is never something that I have been particularly good at. I start with good intentions but somehow manage to overbook myself at times, for 2020 I must learn to say no! More and more I’ve realised that it’s important for my practice to spend concentrated time in the studio otherwise I get stuck in a comfortable groove but am not stretching myself by experimenting and pushing forwards with exhibition concepts. These ideas may or may not work but it’s the experimenting and thought process that drives my practice forwards. Don’t get me wrong, I love any time that I spend in the studio making or teaching and some of my happiest hours are occupied felting and eco printing pieces to offer at yearly high end design and craft shows such as Gifted at the RDS. However, I would love to submit for more juried exhibitions so if I get a grip on my 2020/2021 diary now it should afford me the opportunity to experiment a bit more.
Installing the new garden studio and print/dye borders at Clasheen has been an incredibly beneficial move; I’ve a warm and comfortable light filled space to create my own work; it’s the perfect space for facilitating group workshops or bespoke private one on one classes; the new borders have settled in and grown amazingly, they are already providing plenty of leaves and flowers to include in eco bundles; the sight of the butterfly and bee filled borders lifts the heart, I even have a resident robin that sings manically whenever I walk up the path to the studio in the mornings! From the beginning of 2020 onwards this new facility will allow me to offer an expanded selection of workshops. In addition to regular 1 to 3 day courses for groups or individuals I will also offer longer non-residential workshops at Clasheen. For workshops of a longer duration I will concentrate on smaller class numbers so everyone can spread out (4 participants) and a very holistic approach to the process. Having my own trees (over 13500 of them!) and print/dye borders on the property really opens up new possibilities for the future; the cob oven and huge wood fired outdoor eco printing pot also add interest to the mix!
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