Join us for a botanic calligraphic workshop timed to coincide with the Iris flowering season with the inaugural Serge Hill Project Artist in Residence, Anne McKenzie. Over the course of three engaging hours, you'll have the chance to explore the art of Shodo, Japanese Calligraphy, from its roots in pictographs through formal, semi-cursive, and cursive scripts. Anne will demonstrate botanic calligraphy, a unique fusion of Shodo and Botanic Art and will have on display an example of a recently completed banner.
Guests will then be invited to pick a specimen in the plant library. A short series of upper body stretches to awaken your creative spirit will prepare you for the brush exercises and help to focus on the breath. We will apply Shodo techniques to brushing the plant specimens several times.
The final piece will be brushed on a piece of shoji paper complete with a wooden batten and clear string for instant hanging ready for you to take home and display. A hearty vegetarian lunch will also be served, providing a perfect opportunity to socialise and build a community of art and nature enthusiasts.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to experience another way of observing, being with, describing, and emotionally expressing the beauty of plants. Through this meditative practice, you will cultivate a clear mind, calm breath, and a deep appreciation of the present moment. All materials are provided, and no prior art experience is necessary, making it an accessible and enriching experience for everyone. Please wear comfortable clothes to enjoy the creative and relaxing process.
All profits go directly to fund the work of the Serge Hill Project for Gardening, Creativity and Health Community Interest Company.
Information
About Anne McKenzie
Anne McKenzie, a London-based painter, creates botanical banners using pigments bound with honey and gum arabic on handmade Japanese paper. Her work is a calligraphic exploration of natural forms, including plants, trees and flowers. She earned her Post Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy at Goldsmith’s, University of London and her Bachelor of Fine Art at Rhodes University. Her years of living in the global culture of London have allowed her to study a variety of meditative traditions, which inform her practice. Anne has exhibited in London and is a member of Design Nation and Find a Maker. Anne is also featured in the Homo Faber guide.
Background to the process and concept of Anne McKenzie's approach:
"My work combines the observational skills of botanical art with the emotional responsiveness of calligraphy. I am inspired by visual meditative traditions: every brush stroke matters, as this focus leads to unselfconscious expression. I Intuitively mix pigments, binding them with gum arabic and honey, and apply the colours to handmade Japanese paper. These materials are a direct extension of the natural world: the paper holds light in a very subtle way and the particles of pigment have a luminous quality which compliments the paper.
My intention is to convey the beauty, delight, mystery and wonder of the world’s precious plants, rendering their image in a sacred, prayerful format that references Shodo. With 40% of the world’s plants at risk of extinction, it is timely to paint these visual prayers. My banners can be hung as stand-alone pieces or arranged in installations - roll-down gardens of paper that play with light and sway gently in response to the breezes created when moving through them."
Accessibility
Accessible parking for those who require it is available at the entry to The Apple House. There is step-free access to the building and all areas. However, there are many potential trip hazards and uneven surfaces that may be encountered whilst visiting the gardens, along with gravel paths that aren’t suitable for walking frames with wheels. Please be aware that due to the ongoing building works around the Apple House, there may be additional hazards to look out for.