Brushstrokes and Words: An Afternoon of Meditative Art and Inspired Writing

Grab a brush, your ink, and throw a couple of extra logs on your creative fires. 

Goldster tutors John Skelcher and David Mark will be teaming up for a special event that will be a feast for the eyes and a workout for your imagination. 

Art tutor John will be offering a fantastic opportunity for Goldster members, as he introduces the the meditative qualities of the Eastern Art practices of Sumi-e painting. 

The Japanese term “sumi” means “black ink”, “e” means “painting”. It indicates one of the art forms in which subjects are painted with black ink in all possible gradations ranging from pure black to the lightest shades achievable by dissolving ink in water. We will take a painterly journey together that will find us in the Realm of the Blue Heron. The Heron can be a metaphor... for patience and discipline. The Heron will appear via the meditative process of Sumi-e painting. Through surrendering to the process we commit to one purpose...finding the Heron. Each brushstroke is like a step towards the Heron's Realm. Little by little, your Heron will take shape and you will have a painting that is unquestionably alive. The Heron is “created” from nothing, not just copied.

John said "It's magical how painting certain motifs like the Blue Heron can promote personal qualities like patience, concentration and a philosophical/spiritual awareness in our weekly art/craft practice. 

"The aim is to follow the sequence of brush strokes to create the painting. The objective is to patiently await the arrival of the Heron. As we contemplate our achievement we are left to wonder...did we imagine the Heron or did he transport us to his Realm? 

David will be leading a creative writing workshop using the thoughts and feelings inspired by the painting as a gateway into storytelling, poetry and prose. 

Creative writing tutor and best-selling novelist David Mark said: "I love ekphrastic poetry, where the words concern themselves with what is happening inside the frame of the picture. For this event, I thought I'd flip it and members can write about the world that the heron inhabits - what it can see while we are looking at it. - what is the story of the world beyond its frame? It's a real workout for your imagination and leans in to the feelings you may experience while working on your artistic pieces. The heron is synonymous with isolation, with patience; waiting for the right time to pounce. I hope we can produce some wonderful writing that explores this connection. We'll have plenty of fun along the way. Where better to experience isolation than among your friends?"

Join us and be part of the supportive, welcoming community.

Event Date - Sunday 2nd February 2025

Time - 2pm to 4pm