I’m very much looking forward to running a workshop/retreat on the subject of alchemy and alchemical creative painting at the beautiful venue of Hawkwood College in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
This course introduces you to both the intriguing symbolism of Renaissance alchemical imagery and to making paintings or drawings in response to what the pictures, motifs and colours trigger in us as individuals. It invites the participants to actively engage with these ancient pictures and develop their own contemporary visuals
The course aims to explore new ways of visualising what alchemy has to offer in our contemporary world, and to allow the art historical and symbolic aspects to provide unexpected springboards for the new.
Symbolic alchemy, also known as the ‘Great Work’ of transformation, presents enigmatic and fearless visions of symbolic deaths and resurrections. The surreal procedures and balancing acts lead ultimately to an integration of the complementary forces of light and dark, female and male.
The transformative ‘Work’ culminates in the emergence of vital healing and redemption for an individual, but also for humanity on a greater scale. It rehabilitates the individual and the world as ‘divine matter’ and rejuvenated ’gold’ of the sun. Strikingly contemporary, and contrary to most Western religious models, alchemy maintains an equality of spirit and matter, woman and man, body and soul; and demands, in a political sense, the fusion of power and service.
I will introduce you to Renaissance illuminations and prints from Splendor Solis, Aurora Consurgens and Atalanta Fugiens, followed by time for painting, meditation and discussion.
Participants are invited to work alchemically by merging the materiality of paint with the transformative input of thinking, feeling and unconscious elements.
Painting and Alchemy is for artists of all levels of experience who feel a call to explore and work with alchemical ideas and visuals.
The course closely relates to my own practice as a painter, and I am passionate about supporting individual (not pre-conceived) approaches to painting.
INFO
Mon, May 8, 20234:00 PM Thu, May 11, 20232:00 PM
Hawkwood College
Prices
Residential (single): £695.00 (£240.00 deposit)
Residential (shared): £635.00 (£240.00 deposit)
Non-residential: £545.00 (£240.00 deposit)
Bookings only via Hawkwood College here
At A Glance
• A visual and creative introduction to symbolic alchemy.
• Painting inspired by alchemical illuminations and prints.
• Touching on personal inner alchemy with painting.
• The potential of symbolic alchemy for navigating turbulent times.
Participants Will Gain
• A better understanding of symbolic and alchemical transformations.
• New ways to access or rekindle their creativity.
• An idea of where they are right now in terms of their own inner alchemy.
• An idea of how to contribute with their work to the current times.
Practical Info
Because of the course’s short duration and emphasis on experimentation, we will work with acrylics, wax pastel and crayons on paper. All quality materials are included (also brushes; however, if you wish to bring your favourite acrylic brushes, please do so).
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. (Marcel Proust)
