Plant Gazing: Under Vine Moon

As we approach September’s Waning Crescent Moon, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with plant allies and set personal intentions for the month ahead.

In alchemy, the art of drawing plants holds a twofold significance. On one level it represents the material aspect of the alchemical process, of sunlight and water becoming stem, leaf and flower. On a deeper symbolic level, the depiction of plants embodies the concept of growth and transformation, informing the practitioner – an alchemical self*

Immerse yourself in the IMT Gallery space, subtly infused with Yarrow and Rosemary, earthy and clearing. A curated selection of plants will be available for drawing, accompanied by prompts and guidance on the techniques of plant gazing and observation.

In this two hour workshop we will explore the mysteries of plants through drawing, painting, and meditative observations, we will go beyond the confines of the ordinary.

Take a moment to reconnect to our bodies and the living world through a serene tea ceremony, grounding ourselves in the present moment. We will select from the hedgerow with hawthorn, rosehip or hops. We will also consider the hedgerow as thicket, stopover and shelter for beings.

About Joseph Walsh

Joseph Walsh, an artist rooted in forging human-nature connections through his work with plants. Using drawing, painting and film to actualise a co-existing with nature. He studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths University, and recently delivered the course Floral Time: How Artists Describe Plants at the Berlin Art Institute, workshops at Beaconsfield Gallery and No Show Space, as well as sharing insights with art students at Goldsmiths and Reading University.

What To Expect

Below we offer you a glimpse of what to expect from Joseph’s workshop, as told by previous participants:

“The workshop was well structured, and thus we were able to connect with the plant on a deeper level. Joe is a meticulous facilitator. Thank you”.

“A very naturally held space offering freedom to be intuitive, and be yourself. The time flowed perfectly. An exploration and very close look into the oneness, mirroring thoughts within the group. What a full whole, rich experience with the plants, yourself and each other.”

“Mindful, healing, educational, communal”

While drawing materials will be provided, feel free to bring your own sketchbooks and preferred materials to enhance your experience.

*Observations made by Joseph plant gazing under waxing crescent moon, with rose - “In alchemy the rose is symbolic of conjunction, it is supporting and underlying the marriage of opposites. Soft, buffering, slowing down. Small insects dwell within petals, cushioned, intoxicated. This is how it felt for me too. The bee moves closer to the centre, three rounds of rose tea. Perfumed aroma in swirls and spirals, circular time. Definition and edge dissolved. Petals unfurling. Surrender myself to it. Rose is associated with love and romance”.

Reserve your spot now for an evening of inspiration and connection. A limited number of tickets are available free of charge for residents of Tower Hamlets. These places have been lovingly created with support from Tower Hamlets Council.

See you there!

Slides:

[1] Portrait of Joseph Walsh

[2] ‘Plume’ drawing by Joseph Walsh

[3] - [6] Scenes from Plant Gazing: Under Waxing Crescent Moon with sketches by participants Leah Simmons, Sarah Gray, Rose-Marie Luk.art and Shama Khanna in the exhibition ‘Thick, Stretchy, Sticky Space’ by Fran Hayes

Host or Publisher IMT Gallery