This academic year 2017/18, I have taken a place at Schumacher College, Dartington as their artist in semi-residence. Semi as I’m only there part time and not living on campus.
Due to the sudden death of my father in September, I did not get stuck in straight away. Instead an organic ravelling and weaving of practice is occurring as I gently find my place and purpose within this inspiring and loving community.
November 16th was the date of my first weekly creative journey on a Thursday afternoon for Students, staff and volunteers. We set out in the sun enjoying the leaves crunching underfoot on a journey around the grounds of the college, discovering parts of the garden unknown to the participants. Spontaneously we decided to walk the labyrinth creating a ritual around what was arising for us with in the journey.
Journeys continue on Thursday afternoons this easter term, starting out from Higher Close refectory.
“I have found participating in Emma’s Creative Journeys to have been a really worthwhile thing to have done. She thoughtfully prepares and leads each journey, but the guiding is gentle and sensitive to the needs of the participants, and there is openness to the spontaneity of what might happen en route. I particularly liked the creation of something personal out of materials from nature gathered on the walk, and the symbolic use of this in ritual elements of the journey later on. The invitation to write and share something of each journey was a nice way to close the experience. I felt more aware, relaxed and connected as a result of taking part. I’d certainly recommend coming along if your interest is sparked – you won’t regret it . Time in nature is always worth it, and Emma has a lovely way of facilitating creativity in that experience.”
– Adam Skerrett Schumacher student Myth and ecology 2017/18