Co- facilitating a nature, stories and clay workshop at a WISE drop-in at Hapi Hub Rhydyfelin
Alongside Sabina Collado Montes, a wonderful friend and course mate, we designed and facilitated a workshop to coincide with the drop-ins that WISE have for past and present people who have attended their programmes. The workshop explored themes of our connection to nature around us and the stories associated with this. I have had this in the books for a while, as I wanted to go back and return to the drop-in session I had only been to once and explore 'Hiraeth'/home/belonging/nature/stories in the local areas. It was so lovely to facilitate with a friend and combine our ways of being, learning from one another, it felt very natural. Post continues below....
2/1/20241 min read
The workshop was a huge success! Many came, and familiar faces from my placement one-off facilitation workshop in December, it was nice to share stories since then and reflect on the work they made then and where it is in their house and who they gifted it to. Today was a glistening sunny day and we were all in a room upstairs overlooking the mountains and trees with many a bird. I was blown away by how much nature and the landscape connected people through sharing stories and reminiscing, through inspiring making and as a necessity in their lives.
Many people spoke about their favourite walks and gave me many recommendations. People spoke about the mountains out their windows, the animals and nature they live surrounded by, painting beautiful pictures in my mind. Other people loved the sea, the birds and particular landmarks. So many stories sparked from this.
What struck me the most was the beautiful and diverse creations each person made, all unique, some 3D, some animals, some trees, some 2D paintings and drawings of landscapes and flowers, some fairy and mystical world scenes...this was further proof that stories, the land, folklore and creating can connect us.
It felt peaceful and bustling at the same time. Everyone found their groove. Some people enjoyed 'people watching'. I heard stories about people's families, favourite art pieces, travels, crafts they enjoy at home, foraging...
I wish I could have recorded the voices...but, at the same time, each creation made speaks to the person's story and their voice...and I can remember them from each piece.
I noticed most people intuitively picked up the clay and started moulding and playing, not afraid to get stuck in. Other people did so too but with gloves, and other people preferred other media. It was so beautiful to see how each person's mind works and how they used the clay ; rolling, making a picture, making a sculpture, using as a tool etc....it felt very much like everyone around the table was connected to nature in some way...and that shows just how much of an impact being surrounded by and living around nature can have on us.
I'd love to explore this more, it has further inspired the art trail ideas, so watch this space!