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 plant gazing and observation techniques.

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

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

About Joseph Walsh

Joseph Walsh is 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 Floral Time: How Artists Describe Plants at the Berlin Art Institute, workshops at Beaconsfield Gallery and No Show Space, and shared 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 connected with the plant on a deeper level. Joe is a meticulous facilitator. Thank you”.

“A naturally held space offers 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 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, a stopover for birds. Branches shift and alter according to the environment; each lobed leaf differs. The doctrine of signatures, where plant forms are like body parts, is the heart as an organ of perception.

A tiny amount of berries dotting the tree, gleaning the teeniest amount. It’s 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.

See you there!