Working in the woods, yes please!

I (Lucy) have recently joined DGOWL (Dumfries and Galloway Outdoor Woodland Learning) and led a skills share day in Mabie Forest next to our studio. It was to teach outdoor learning facilitators skills they could take to there own practises, to help grow confidence in outdoor art making, and show alternatives to industrial materials such as acrylics.

The day went too fast, we covered a good amount but there’s still plenty more we could have done. I’m looking into ways to offer more outdoor woodland art training, as well as collaborating with organisations who offer support for mental health and young person’s outdoor activities.

Working outdoors was so wonderful, we were lucky with the weather though! It gave me such an appreciation of those who work outside in all weathers. Having to juggle the west coast climate, whilst holding a space for groups to be and learn is no small feat.

Here is a quick over view of what we covered…

Charcoal making thinking about the transformative metaphors of what we choose to charcoal; making char ink using foraged binders; making inks from tree material using home made pot ash to bring out the colours; flower braying for vibrant colours; plant dyes for yarn to wrap sticks with; wild pigments and using bean juice from a can to make an alternative to acrylic paint to paint onto wood and sticks; and how to make a variety of pens and paint brushes.

We’re determined to work out how these sort of sessions can be offered over a longer period of time, there’s so much potential for nature connection through making creative materials and one day workshop is so often just scratching the surface of whats possible.

Oh, and the desire for an outdoor/indoor classroom has never been stronger!