As we approach May we see the emergence of the Dandelion Moon.  Flora of spring is appearing and some are nutrient rich to support our flourishing. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with plant allies and set personal intentions for the coming months.

Immerse yourself in the IMT Gallery space, subtly smudged with Clary Sage and Rose to encourage chi flow and inspire clarity. A curated selection of plants will be available for drawing, accompanied by prompts and guidance on the techniques of plant gazing and observation. Joseph Walsh will guide you through a series of “warm up” exercises for shifting habitual ways of looking, moving on to experimental longer durational drawing sketches. Prompts will be given to glean and speculate what may be communicated by shape, form and behaviour, what Anthropologist Gregory Bateson calls “transforms of environment”. 

Take a moment to ground yourself and reconnect with your body, sipping on Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) tea, cultivated and harvested from Joseph’s wildlife plot. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it pioneers and restores poor soil, whilst in our own bodies, it tonifies liver and kidneys. We will take influence from this earth regulator to set our own intentions into spring. As a special takeaway, participants will receive a portion of this tea - an intentional offering for personal contemplation or to share with someone special. 

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. Having studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths University, he brings artistic insight to our journey. Joseph recently delivered the course ‘Floral Time: How Artists Describe Plants’ at the Berlin Art Institute, workshops at Beaconsfield Gallery and No Show Project Space, as well as sharing his expertise with art students at Goldsmiths and Reading University. 

This workshop is designed for individuals who seek to deepen their connection with nature and explore their creative potential. No prior experience is required - just an open heart and a curious mind. While drawing materials will be provided, feel free to bring your own sketchbooks and preferred materials to enhance your experience. 

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”. - participant 

“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.” - participant 

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. See you there!