Cultivator Mixers Part 2

Before I forget what I got up to on those Cultivator Mixers I wanted to share the second 2 workshops I took part in. These happened back in May so I’m stretching my memory a bit - you might need to look at my previous post if you need some background into Cultivator Mixers.

The first event happened at Cast in Helston. It was my first visit to this amazing creative space, in fact, part of the reason I booked it was so I could go and have a nosy around Cast. I wasn’t disappointed. Cast is a beautiful old granite building in Helston, once a school but now home to a community of creatives, and a lovely cafe. All sorts of things go on in this wonderful place. Click the link above for all the details.

The session was run by Amy Brock Morgan and Darn (again, click the links for more deets). We were in safe and creative hands. The day comprised of some fun and freeing drawing games followed by sewing. I took along an old and much beloved woollen sock which I hoped to mend - I wasn’t disappointed. I learned to successfully darn the heal of a sock! My granny used to do this for me and I regret that I never learned to do it for myself. The sad fact is that when I was young, and had my granny around, my socks were cheap things that were barely worth mending. Now, I treat myself to luxury woollen socks that I want to last so I’m delighted I now know how to repair them. I’m even looking forward to cosy winter evenings when I can find some peace and darn my socks! (at this point I should let you know that one of my daughters works for a slow fashion cooperative called Stitched Up. She teaches the good people of Manchester how to sew and mend their clothes. She will be proud of me.)

The drawing games were fun but over too quickly. This is something I need to get back to. I feel the need to explore drawing in more creative ways again. Funny how running a creative business can challenge creativity. There’s so much to do on the admin and digital side of things - it was great to have a reminder that drawing soothes the soul. Must get my digital diary out to make a note to do more!

Drawing games with Darn

This is me drawn by the amazing Teija Eilola, a Finnish fashion designer based in Cornwall. The game was to do a 5 minute drawing without looking at the paper. The orange and lemons were used as an aid to darning and in place of those lovely old wooden darning mushrooms. A revelation!

Loveland

Who wouldn’t want to spend a day taking part in a workshop on Loveland? Again I chose this workshop because I knew of Loveland (its very near where I live) but I’d never been there. Nosey parker strikes again! Thank goodness I had the sense to sign up because this was the best session of the lot. For a start it was all outdoors and the weather was perfect - goldilocks weather, not too hot, not too cold.

Loveland belongs to St Gluvias Church in Penryn, Cornwall. The church has done a deal with the local food coop to allow them to cultivate and care for the land for the benefit of the community. What a lovely thing - more details via the link.

We were encouraged to take part in a group meditation before taking a long moment to sit and observe our surroundings. I must admit I bristled at this a wee bit as this is something I do as a matter of course and it was presented as though it was a revelation. However, I had a word with myself and settled into the group experience - normally I would pause and take in my surroundings solo. I must admit that being given permission to stop and just observe was a beautiful thing. It eased my mind. Someone else was looking after the time so I didn’t bother to think about it. The day only got better.

The main event was a group painting of a huge canvas. Again, my first response was to bristle! Group painting? Sounds like a 60s love in! Another word with myself was required. So I surrendered to the process. This was helped enormously by the others taking part who were all lovely women up for making the most of a creative day out. Its that word permission. I stopped worrying about what was expected of me (what I expected of myself?), grabbed a paintbrush, a tub of runny paint and approached the canvas. We were given a few minimal directions which helped to provide a bit of focus, but to be honest, I just really enjoyed dabbing colours around without a plan. The finished canvas looked joyous!

This was followed by a foraged lunch cooked over an open fire. It was delicious. I know not what else I can say!

The day was run by Naomi Hannam of Creative Roots and Kitty Hillier. I hope my photos do the day justice.