A quick recap of four sessions at St Michaels in Dumfries in Jan 2025.
These four sessions were the fruit of Fiona opening St Michaels sanctuary are for people to draw. Three of us from Quartz met up and sketched the window and then chatted about it. Following that Simon and Fiona met up and came up with the idea of running some sessions exploring the relationship between Faith and Art.
The first session introduced the idea of #SensingSpirituality in daily life and physical things. Everyone brought objects that were examples of this and we had a very relaxed discussion where we practiced putting these feelings put into words and learning to see the invisible.
In the second session we explored making thoughts visible. We drew inspiration from the early medieval manuscripts which influence Simon’s artwork and went beyond conversations to catch the experience of #SensingMeaningfulness. Using calligraphy to record it in ways which could last 1000 years.
The third session developed this using the technique of weaving. There was the opportunity to write spring time hopes on ribbons of cloth. We then wove these into a wall hanging together. We also discovered that the simple activity of weaving itself is an activity which can relax your mind. An experience which is not strange to Alison who contributed her expertise as a textile artist.
For our final session Andy brought shards of coloured glass for us to create with. Again the afternoon involved learning technique and practice. Personal expression and collective discovery. We each made our own square, and it was amazing to see the different approaches everyone took. These shapes were then arranged on a lightbox so we could observe how our contribution interacted with others, sometimes in surprising ways. You can read more on his blog page.
The big question following these sessions is “What next?”
… in the meantime perhaps you can help your #SensingSpirituality habit through #febreflection ?
