Drawing workshop: Sap is not liquid but memory softened by warmth

Based on the exhibition, this drawing workshop invites participants to engage with intuitive, embodied and meditative forms of mark-making; making connections between the wilds both inside and outside of us. Exploring drawing as a practice of observing, listening, and conversing with the natural world, we will embark on a drawing expedition starting at the gallery space, and leading around the stunning "Sticks" woodland on the peninsula of Llanstefan.

No prior drawing experience needed - you are particularly welcome if you are convinced that you "can't draw"! Please arrive between 10:30 and 10:45 to view the exhibition and get settled in, the workshop begins promptly at 11am. We advise you to wear comfortable weather-appropriate clothing and be prepared to move around. Some drawing materials will be provided, but please do bring along your favourite pencils, charcoals and sketchbooks. Light refreshments will be provided. Please let us know in advance if you have any specific accessibility or physical requirements.

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About the Exhibition

Showcasing drawings, photographs and field notes made during an artist residency with United States Geologic Society in Sequoia National Park, California earlier this year, the exhibition invites the future forests of Wales to meet and correspond with an ancient forest ecosystem on the other side of the world - one that is perhaps not so distant from our own.

Working directly with the land, weather, living trees and burnt charcoal stumps, Kirsty’s large-scale drawings seek to draw from, with, and as a forest. Tracing the lines of forest fires, re-siting British trees within their native Californian goegraphy, and breathing in time with ancient beings; the collected works compile a fragile apparition of the wisdom, memory, and language held within the forest.

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Location and Timings

The exhibition is hosted at Oriel Archipelago, The Elms, Church Rd, Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire, SA33 5JT

Opening Gathering: Sat 23 Aug 11am-1pm

Open weekends 10am-4pm or view by appointment

Email: sarah@rhysstudio.org

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About the Artist

Kirsty Badenoch is an artist, researcher and educator. Her work connects fragile and disturbed landscapes, communities and ecologies, with a particular focus on forest ecosystems. Through a research-led approach, she develops collaborative place-based projects that explore human and more-than-human entanglements. Kirsty’s practice spans drawing, performance and events, spatial design, installation and publications. She teaches at University of Cambridge and the Bartlett School of Architecture UCL, where she is also undertaking a PhD. kirstybadenoch.com / Instagram @kirstybadenoch

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About the Gallery

Oriel Archipelago is a sometimes-gallery run by Sarah Rhys in the estuary village of Llansteffan.

Oriel Archipelago uses the physicality of an archipelago – a cluster of distinct but connected islands – as a metaphor under which to reframe and create relationships between a diverse range of practices. Instagram @oriel_archipelago