Cultivating roots in love: writing and collaging in community

In a time when sustainable forms of resistance and envisioning are more critical than ever, we gather in community to discuss what queer Black feminists have often viewed as a touchstone of revolution: love. We will begin by tracing the roots of these theories, relying on bell hooks, Audre Lorde, adrienne maree brown, and others, to distinguish love’s definition from the corporatized version co-opted by capitalism today.

This workshop, dedicated to people engaged in widespread change, offers a range of artistic prompts to envision a world rooted in love. What does love look like in its varying forms? How do we facilitate systems based on love’s premise? How do we reimagine community in the wake of destruction? What are the implications of love for meaning-making? How will you carry love forward as a generative force?

Devoting time to creativity and care is central to effective community building. In this setting, you will have opportunities to write, hug, create, and situate your thoughts and feelings within an intimate group. We will aim to finish with a group collage, and you are welcome to keep your own piece. All are welcome, particularly BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ and beginner writers.

All you need to bring is paper and a drawing or writing utensil! We will provide the rest.

*The cost of our workshop is on a sliding scale to ensure that it can be financially accessible. Please select the amount most appropriate for your situations. If the cost is still a barrier and you would like to attend, please send Christie an email at [email protected] and we will work something out. No one will be turned away due to cost.

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Who are you and where did this idea come from?

Given the collective grief of the ongoing genocide in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria, opening communal spaces for love and art feels essential. The idea for this theme is based on Linh’s doctoral research at the University of Cambridge on love as epistemology. It is paired with Christie’s extensive expertise in visual arts practices.

As practicing artists and facilitators, their collaboration has spanned many years. Though they approach art in different ways – Christie more through visuals and Linh through words – they share an inclination and desire to process their experiences through spaces of shared creativity.

If you’re interested in the potential of growing community through practices of love, this is the space for you!

Facilitator bios:

Linh is a HarperCollins children’s fantasy author and a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, focusing on love as epistemology. She loves running experimental workshops in community and creating spaces for artists to play.

Her work can be found at or more frequently on Instagram @linh.s.nguyen.

Christie is a multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur & maker who loves the translation space between story and metaphors to often whimsical and surrealistic drawings or short stories. She is currently exploring natural dyes and weaving cloth and values with her co-conspirators.

She is also a lover of creating brave spaces for others to develop and challenge their craft and connecting her community with their inner work and unique expressions. You can find her on IG, Threads and Substack!

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Thank you Recess Community for the studio space!

If you have any questions at all, feel free to message Christie or Linh (Instagram @mimaschrwonstie/ @linh.s.nguyen)!

We can't wait to explore, connect and have fun with you!

Host or Publisher Girl on Saturn