Plant Gazing: Under Elder Moon Workshop with Joseph Walsh

As we approach December’s full moon, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with plant allies and set personal intentions for the year ahead.

In alchemy, the art of drawing plants holds a twofold significance. On one level it represents the material aspect of the alchemical process, of sunlight and water becoming stem, leaf and flower. On a deeper symbolic level, the depiction of plants embodies the concept of growth and transformation, informing the practitioner – an alchemical self*

Immerse yourself in the IMT Gallery space, subtly infused with Yarrow, earthy and balancing. A curated selection of plants will be available for drawing, accompanied by prompts and guidance on the techniques of plant gazing and observation.

In this two hour workshop we will explore the mysteries of plants through drawing, painting, and meditative observations, we will go beyond the confines of the ordinary.

Take a moment to reconnect to our bodies and the living world through a serene tea ceremony, grounding ourselves in the present moment. We will look at Salvias - sharpens the mind, has anti-inflammatory properties and is ceremoniously used to purify space.

About Joseph Walsh

Joseph Walsh, an artist rooted in forging human-nature connections through his work with plants. Using drawing, painting and film to actualise a co-existing with nature. He studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths University, and recently delivered the course Floral Time: How Artists Describe Plants at the Berlin Art Institute, workshops at Beaconsfield Gallery and No Show Space, as well as sharing insights with art students at Goldsmiths and Reading University.

What To Expect

Below we offer you a glimpse of what to expect from Joseph’s workshop, as told by previous participants:

“The workshop was well structured, and thus we were able to connect with the plant on a deeper level. Joe is a meticulous facilitator. Thank you”.

“A very naturally held space offering freedom to be intuitive, and be yourself. The time flowed perfectly. An exploration and very close look into the oneness, mirroring thoughts within the group. What a full whole, rich experience with the plants, yourself and each other.”

Please bring your preferred drawing materials and sketchbook, materials will also be provided.

*Observations made by Joseph plant gazing under Vine Moon with Hawthorn –

"The hedgerow, a stopover, shelter and thicket for beings. Heart tonic, thicket thickening, berry red of cardiovascular, stopover for birds. Branches shift and alter according to environment, each lobed leaf is different. Doctrine of signatures, where plant forms are like parts of the body, this is the heart as an organ of perception.

Infinitesimal amount of berries dotting the tree, gleaning the teeniest amount. Its before winter, amongst fullness, rather than emptiness.”

Reserve your spot now for an evening of inspiration and connection. A limited number of tickets are available free of charge for residents of Tower Hamlets. These places have been lovingly created with support from Tower Hamlets Council.