QuartzWhere, when, do you learn emotional truth? Toys and childhood play help us become the adults who have the luxury of asking such questions. Teddy bears have their own nostalgic niche. The process of experiencing feelings of attachment, separation and developing skills of emotional resilience can developed whether with a bear or a “my little […]
There is an importance in places. I sometimes wonder what it is like to grow up in the digitally connected world. It is quite possible that many who are now in their 30’s have never been in a place where it wasn’t possible to pick up a device and phone, or latterly video message, a […]
It’s been a busy start to May. There was a full weekend at Allanton. We were working with Cluaran and many others using heritage crafts, storytelling, and the experience of fire to help people find peace. On the Sunday we prayed for peace worldwide, and joined with people worldwide via the internet. There was a […]
Have you decorated any eggs this year? With supermarkets and global supply chains it is easy to forget that for thousands of years eggs were only available when the sun returned and daylight hours lengthened. As well as looking like the stone which could be rolled away from the tomb for Jesus to walk out, […]
If you are truly searching for reality, do you need to tear down the structures that frame reality? To find the house of God does the curtain need to rip, and the temple be destroyed, so that it can be rebuilt three days later? Strong language, but perhaps art can provide the means to to […]
Here is a handy wee craft activity. How to make a finger labyrinth We have been making large scale versions using rope for a good few years now. We also have a pottery table top version Alison brought back from Spain. https://wordsmithcrafts.co.uk/Labyrinth2015.html Hopefully, this summer, we will be able to use this to provide people […]
Have a read of the introduction to this song and video. Then as you sit back and enjoy it, contemplate the many possible real life stories that have formed this experience. What does “release for captives” mean? What invisible chains bind our minds, inherited, unexamined, frustrating the potential God has placed within creation? What crazy […]
Did you know that the Diocese of Dumfries and Galloway has an official Makar? In this inaugural honorary post, spanning an initial term of four years, Kirstin will mark events in the life and witness of our Diocese by the creation of bespoke pieces of art that will encourage our congregations, communities, and individuals to […]
It’s the week before Christmas and the canopy of Angels is almost complete. I’m writing on the sunny side of the solstice having just installed many Angels made at Dumfries High School. This has been a collaborative work! We have had angles made in pubs and cafes. Angels sent in by post and online. Angles […]