Mandalas, in essence, can be understood to be diagrams, patterns and pictures that are distillations of cosmic wisdom and harmony; repositories of archetypal intelligence. Mandalas offer a potentially powerful means of deepening one’s spiritual and contemplative practice. This is especially true when they are constructed - using the traditional tools of compass and straightedge - in a considered and contemplative manner. During this week-long course, Daniel Docherty will guide participants through the construction of a number of mandalas from different traditions including mandalas that embody significant planetary patterns. We will explore their inherent symbolism and cosmic correspondences. Participants will also make their our own inks and paints from plant and mineral in order to colour and ensoul their designs.
Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination A five-day extended course with Adam Tetlow 25-29 October 2021 SAOG Studios (Ruskin East) Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK 10:00-17:00 Cost: £335
We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming Australian based Artsist/Educator and Projective Geometry expert Sophia Montefiore back to SAOG Studios for a Summer 2021 Projective Geometry course. Participants will be introduced to the fundamental and profound principles of this unique art form through drawing/construction and colour work focussing on Spirals, Buds and Vortex Forms.
The Alhambra Palace complex is home to some of the finest examples of Islamic Geometric Pattern in the world. During this three-day course we will learn how to construct a number of these patterns - ranging from the simple to highly sophisticated - using the traditional geometer's tools of compass and straightedge. This course will be led in a gentle, easy to follow, step-by-step manner, suitable for both beginners and experienced alike.
This two-day course, led by Natasha Mann, will introduce students to the Art of Zouaq. Zouaq is a painting technique original to Morocco which creates arresting and powerful designs. Found painted onto ceilings, doors, furniture and wooden objects it is an integral part of the decoration of private homes and sacred spaces in Morocco. Students will also be given an introduction to the history of Zouaq and its different styles. Using the traditional techniques of egg tempera painting using hand ground natural pigments from earth and minerals, participants will choose their favourite design from a portfolio of Moroccan geometric patterns (ideally drawn during the prior Moroccan Geometric Pattern course (17 Sept. 2021) to create a stunning painting on wood to take home
The Golden Ratio: Jewel of Geometry and Cosmos 23, 24 October 2021 with Daniel Docherty 10:00-17:00 Cost: £130
A practical and participatory two-day introductory course for anyone wanting to develop a deeper relationship to ink and ochre. We will walk in the beautiful Ashdown Forest; we will reverently forage minerals and materials which we will transform - through various alchemical processes - into pigment, paint and ink. These endeavours will be accompanied by exercises in contemplative pattern construction and plein-air sketching.
Join Adam Williamson for this two day intensive exploring the stunning rosette panel in the Court of Lions, Alhambra Palace, Granada. We will draw the full extended geometric and biomorphic pattern complete with multiple rosettes. This composition is full of profound secrets and mysteries and variations of it are found all over the Alhambra Palace. This class is open to all ability levels