Join this group craft making workshop, first going into a breath-work practice as a means of achieving a heightened state of focused awareness, and using that to go into the Mountains on a foraging expedition with artist, creator and studio owner Nick.

We'll collect items from the expansive outdoors and use it for an inward journey, seeing what you're drawn to pick up and use to create something back at the studio, taking some time to reflect on the 'why' behind that and your creation, sculpture or painting.

Guided by Nick and I, you'll get to make something of your own to take home, along with breathing, focus and introspective techniques to learn something about yourself through the experience, and experiencing others going through the same as a group.

BREATHE

Take part in a group breathwork practice to achieve heightened awareness and learn the science behind it. Discover how it influences the nervous system and your body chemistry.

CONNECT

Use heightened focus to connect with nature externally and what you feel internally as we walk to the mountain and forage for items that speak out to you, and take them back to the studio.

CREATE

Take the items collected from nature and create (e.g. a sculpture, a pendant, a gift) with guidance from Nick, exploring what insights arise from the unique way you look at the world.

SCHEDULE:

11.00 - 12.00: Introduction & Breath-work

12.00 - 13.30: Foraging on the Mountain

13.30 - 16.00: Craft Making guided by Nick

MORE ABOUT NICK

"As well as supporting local makers and designers to sell their work, I have always wanted Synergy Studios to be about the spirit and beauty, mystery and creative energy of the Mourne Mountains, where the Studio is based. As an aspiring artist myself I've been strongly drawn to the feelings and emotions that arise from walking in the Mournes and the small things that catch my eye as I go."

Step 3 of the workshop is an opportunity to reflect on what we have chosen to bring back from the mountain – thinking about inherent physical and intrinsic (unconscious) qualities, exploring more about what insights arise about the unique connection and way of looking at the world each participant has, and how to bring something of this self into the creative work.

We brainstorm ideas about how to work with what has come back to create something meaningful around it. Other materials are available to play with in working out what can emerge. Then participants are assisted to translate their ideas into a piece; either finished or work in progress, which can be personal and powerful. It might be a pendant, a sculpture, a collage, a diagram, a metaphor, a message, a gift, a statement. The outcome is open. 

This stage is guided by me, drawing on my own artistic journey into the Mourne mountains and techniques I've used in previous workshops such as 'Creative Labs' (part of the EU Harnessing Creativity Programme) which I designed and delivered in collaboration with two seasoned designer / makers. 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

If you have any major heart/health conditions please consult a physician before practicing breath-work that will increase heart rate.

DIETARY ADVICE

Have a light breakfast or if you're used to intermittent fasting, arrive on an empty stomach. Bring a light packed lunch for after the mountain.

WHAT TO WEAR

Comfortable clothing suitable for hiking but also relaxing at the studio doing the breathwork beforehand, and the craft making afterwards.