Clay Totems with Natalie Charles

Join artist Natalie Charles for an evening of creative play inspired by your personal symbols at Bàrd Books!

A totem is a sacred object that represents a group of people or acts as a spiritual/ancestral emblem. In this workshop, you’ll be encouraged to think of memories, motifs and moments that make you feel safe or loved. You'll be guided through how to replicate these as palm-sized versions that you can carry with you.

We'll be using airdry clay and you’ll be able to take your creations home with you at the end of the session. There will be examples and references available if you need extra inspiration! The session is beginner friendly with no experience needed.

About the facilitator

Natalie Charles (she/her) is an artist examining personal archives and quiet intimacies. Moving between drawing, painting, craftwork and animation, she explores the impact of overlooked moments through family stories, collected objects and her ancestral connections. She builds soft, luminous worlds that invite the viewer to reflect on their memories and emotions through hers.

Natalie is a Drawing Year 2024 alumnus from the Royal Drawing School. In 2025, she was selected for RBA Rising Stars, Delphian Gallery Open Call and the Richard Ford Award residency at the Prado Museum, Madrid. Previous collaborations include Twilight Lates x Dazed Magazine, Riot Soup x The Other Art Fair and Shop from Crisis Elephant & Castle.

@ncharles.art

About the venue

Bard Books is an independent bookshop, café/bar and event space on Roman Road, East London.

@weareBardBooks