Headfirst Editor's Pick
"Bristol Experimental & Expanded Film, Herbalists Without Borders, The Sustainable Darkroom + more host day of climate-conscious, collaborative art-making at community hub Bricks. Choose between a selection of stimulating hands-on workshops using locally sourced materials, alongside film screenings, live music, and a shared meal."
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A event on Saturday 15th November. The event starts at 10:30.
An all day event at BRICKS on Saturday 15th November.
Starting at 10.30am, finishing at 7pm.
Arrival at St Anne's house from 10am.
Address: Bricks, St Anne's House Brislington, Bristol BS4 4AB
Environmental Arts & Collective Care promises to be a day of participatory and creative exchange, exploring how art can nurture health and resilience in the climate crisis.
Venue: Bricks at St Annes House in Bristol - a social enterprise space, working with local and creative communities in ways that are mutually supportive.
Environmental Arts & Collective Care will explore our emotional responses to the climate crisis, ask how art-making can nurture health and resilience, and consider different ways in which collective practices can build hope:
* through sharing feelings, building connection with others
* fostering community and creating agency
* working with materials in close proximity, particularly plants & food
This event is part of Bristol Experimental & Expanded Film BEEF's 10 year celebrations, curated by artist members Katy Connor & Zoe Tissandier. Supported by Arts Council England.
PARTICIPANTS [Scoll down for full workshop details]
Jamie Bird & Lor Bird https://rb.gy/iry740
Using creative methods to explore feelings in response to climate change Jamie Bird’s current research includes the role of social action, imagination and creativity in responding to the climate crisis.
The Sustainable Darkroom - https://sustainabledarkroom.com/
Image-making workshop, using herbal teas with lower-toxicity photographic materials and methods.
Herbalists Without Borders - https://bristolhwb.org/
Working with plants to create herbal healthcare to sustain collectively and build resilience: making Fire Cider Vinegar.
BEEF http://www.beefbristol.org/
Artists Vicky Smith with Shirley Pegna, Matt Davies & Melanie Clifford - Film screening with live score of Not (A) Part
Cibomatto - https://www.cibomattobristol.co.uk/portfolio
The day will culminate with a shared meal using locally sourced sustainable foods. The meal will give space for conversation after the day's activities - and for gentle appraisal over a delicious dinner.
Timings:
10 - 10.30am Arrival
10.30 - 11am Introduction to the day and facilitators
11am - 1pm Workshop with Jamie Bird and Lor Bird
1-2 pm Lunch break (Cibomatto cafe will be open to purchase lunch or please feel free to bring your own)
2-4 pm Workshop (choose one) Working with plants to explore hope & resilience:
* The Sustainable Darkroom
* Herbalists Without Borders
* Cibomatto
4 - 4.45pm Break and chance to reflect and chat over a herbal cocktail/mocktail
4.45-5.30pm Film screening BEEF members present Vicky Smith’s NOT (A) PART with live score, performed by Shirley Pegna, Matt Davies and Melanie Clifford
5.30-7.pm Shared meal and performance with Cibomatto
Ticket info
Ticket cost includes full days participation, materials, evening meal and cocktail (excludes lunch).
When booking, please select which afternoon workshop you wish to attend. Numbers will be capped for each and will operate on a first come, first served basis.
We will contact you about dietary requirements.
Due to limited spaces and the collective nature of the day (sharing feelings and the various activities influencing one another) we strongly encourage participants to attend the whole day.
This workshop is a collective endeavour to share experience across different fields and kinds of practice. Through doing so, we hope to build a fundamental and progressive sense of shared belonging, between ourselves, collectives and audience participants.
FULL WORKSHOP DETAILS:
USING CREATIVE METHODS TO EXPLORE FEELINGS IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Jamie Bird & Lor Bird
The aim of this workshop is to use creative methods to share feelings in response to knowledge and experience of climate change in a group context. Jamie and Lor believe that acknowledging the emotional component of climate change enhances the ability to make clear-sighted social and political choices. They also believe that doing this in a collective way is more effective than doing this as individuals.
The workshop aims to hold emotions expressed about climate change using creative methods. The focus will be upon the present moment in time, moving more towards imagining the future. The focus will move from the individual to the group.
Easy to use art materials will be available to use. No previous experience of using art in this way is required to take part. The emphasis is on using creativity as an aid to expression rather than creating something that is beautiful to look at.
Jamie Bird is a HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registered Art Therapist and arts-based researcher. Lor Bird is a visual artist and workshop facilitator. Jamie and Lor have been delivering workshops and seminars on this theme since 2019 to a range of audiences.
AFTERNOON SESSION (option to attend ONE workshop) from
PHOTOGRAPHIC MARK-MAKING WITH HERBAL DEVELOPERS
Hannah Fletcher from The Sustainable Darkroom
In this workshop we will work with local, seasonal herbal plants to make herbal tea. These same plants will then be used to make a low-toxicity photographic developer, which will be utilised to selectively develop areas of the photographic paper - producing chemigrams. Revealing patterns, marks, colours and unpredictable forms across the surface of the silver gelatine paper.
Hannah Fletcher is a visual artist, working predominantly across analogue photography. Her practice adapts around materials and environments, weaving photographic knowledge, processes and systems into ecological frameworks. This provides her with avenues through which she can rethink photographic futures that depart from capitalist ideologies. She is the founder of the Sustainable Darkroom, a charity dedicated to researching and disseminating lower-toxicity photographic materials and methods.
BUILDING RESILIENCE
Sarah Dhorne from HERBALISTS WITHOUT BORDERS Bristol (with artist Katy Connor)
In this workshop we will prepare a Fire Cider Vinegar; a warming immune boosting medicine taken throughout the winter to stimulate sluggish circulations and stave off winter illness. Each participant will take home a pot of their own, whilst contributing to making larger jars that will be donated to the HWB Project.
Herbalists Without Borders Bristol was established in 2016, as a deeply rooted act of resistance against an unjust global political system that has created border politics that entrench inequality and injustice. HWBB provides herbal healthcare to those vulnerable in our society, often excluded from access to NHS care - while treating each person with the dignity and respect they deserve. HWBB is a collaboration between volunteers who are passionate about plant medicine, including clinical and community herbalists, and herb growers, alongside local support projects that work with asylum seekers and refugees in Bristol.
SUSTAINABLE CUISNE WITH CIBOMATTO
Elisa Bozzarelli and Mari Lo Iacono
Participants will work together with artists Elisa and Mari, using local plants and herbs to prepare elements of the evening dinner, desert and drinks.
Cibomatto is a sustainable cuisine project and collaboration between Elisa Bozzarelli and Mari Lo Iacono. Rooted in the traditions of their farming families, their practice grows from the land and from the simple act of sharing food. They see food as culture, memory, and connection — a way to understand where we come from and how our choices shape the world around us. They create projects that weave together sustainability, community, and creativity, celebrating the joy of being together through food and art. Their work often takes the form of communal meals, workshops, and participatory events, where local ingredients and stories meet in moments of exchange and reflection.
FILM PERFORMANCE
BEEF Artists: Vicky Smith with Shirley Pegna, Matt Davies & Melanie Clifford, NOT (A) PART was conceived in relation to both the rapid decline of flying insects and the high recurrence of animation, handmade or contact film that works with the subject and/or material of flying insects. Numerous dead bees found on walks were positioned directly onto negative film and contact printed. Occupying approximately 24 frames they run at a rate of 1 bee per second. The length of the film is determined by how many specimens are found over a specified period of time.
Vicky Smith is an artist film maker and academic who has worked in experimental animation and 16mm film for 30 years and has screened work internationally in galleries and at festivals. Vicky was part of the London Film Makers Co-op, has a PhD in experimental film and lectures at the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham. She is co-founder of artist collective Bristol Experimental Expanded Film (BEEF) in Bristol.
Musician and sound artist Shirley Pegna: http://www.shirleypegna.com
Matt Davies an artist and field recordist: https://audiblefields.com
Melanie Clifford artist working in translation between film, sound, drawing, broadcast, material and site: https://melanieclifford.net/
http://www.beefbristol.org/members/
http://www.beefbristol.org/portfolio/environmental-arts-collective-care/
https://bricksbristol.org/
Entry requirements: 16+
Starting at 10.30am, finishing at 7pm.
Arrival at St Anne's house from 10am.
Address: Bricks, St Anne's House Brislington, Bristol BS4 4AB
Environmental Arts & Collective Care promises to be a day of participatory and creative exchange, exploring how art can nurture health and resilience in the climate crisis.
Venue: Bricks at St Annes House in Bristol - a social enterprise space, working with local and creative communities in ways that are mutually supportive.
Environmental Arts & Collective Care will explore our emotional responses to the climate crisis, ask how art-making can nurture health and resilience, and consider different ways in which collective practices can build hope:
* through sharing feelings, building connection with others
* fostering community and creating agency
* working with materials in close proximity, particularly plants & food
This event is part of Bristol Experimental & Expanded Film BEEF's 10 year celebrations, curated by artist members Katy Connor & Zoe Tissandier. Supported by Arts Council England.
PARTICIPANTS [Scoll down for full workshop details]
Jamie Bird & Lor Bird https://rb.gy/iry740
Using creative methods to explore feelings in response to climate change Jamie Bird’s current research includes the role of social action, imagination and creativity in responding to the climate crisis.
The Sustainable Darkroom - https://sustainabledarkroom.com/
Image-making workshop, using herbal teas with lower-toxicity photographic materials and methods.
Herbalists Without Borders - https://bristolhwb.org/
Working with plants to create herbal healthcare to sustain collectively and build resilience: making Fire Cider Vinegar.
BEEF http://www.beefbristol.org/
Artists Vicky Smith with Shirley Pegna, Matt Davies & Melanie Clifford - Film screening with live score of Not (A) Part
Cibomatto - https://www.cibomattobristol.co.uk/portfolio
The day will culminate with a shared meal using locally sourced sustainable foods. The meal will give space for conversation after the day's activities - and for gentle appraisal over a delicious dinner.
Timings:
10 - 10.30am Arrival
10.30 - 11am Introduction to the day and facilitators
11am - 1pm Workshop with Jamie Bird and Lor Bird
1-2 pm Lunch break (Cibomatto cafe will be open to purchase lunch or please feel free to bring your own)
2-4 pm Workshop (choose one) Working with plants to explore hope & resilience:
* The Sustainable Darkroom
* Herbalists Without Borders
* Cibomatto
4 - 4.45pm Break and chance to reflect and chat over a herbal cocktail/mocktail
4.45-5.30pm Film screening BEEF members present Vicky Smith’s NOT (A) PART with live score, performed by Shirley Pegna, Matt Davies and Melanie Clifford
5.30-7.pm Shared meal and performance with Cibomatto
Ticket info
Ticket cost includes full days participation, materials, evening meal and cocktail (excludes lunch).
When booking, please select which afternoon workshop you wish to attend. Numbers will be capped for each and will operate on a first come, first served basis.
We will contact you about dietary requirements.
Due to limited spaces and the collective nature of the day (sharing feelings and the various activities influencing one another) we strongly encourage participants to attend the whole day.
This workshop is a collective endeavour to share experience across different fields and kinds of practice. Through doing so, we hope to build a fundamental and progressive sense of shared belonging, between ourselves, collectives and audience participants.
FULL WORKSHOP DETAILS:
USING CREATIVE METHODS TO EXPLORE FEELINGS IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Jamie Bird & Lor Bird
The aim of this workshop is to use creative methods to share feelings in response to knowledge and experience of climate change in a group context. Jamie and Lor believe that acknowledging the emotional component of climate change enhances the ability to make clear-sighted social and political choices. They also believe that doing this in a collective way is more effective than doing this as individuals.
The workshop aims to hold emotions expressed about climate change using creative methods. The focus will be upon the present moment in time, moving more towards imagining the future. The focus will move from the individual to the group.
Easy to use art materials will be available to use. No previous experience of using art in this way is required to take part. The emphasis is on using creativity as an aid to expression rather than creating something that is beautiful to look at.
Jamie Bird is a HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registered Art Therapist and arts-based researcher. Lor Bird is a visual artist and workshop facilitator. Jamie and Lor have been delivering workshops and seminars on this theme since 2019 to a range of audiences.
AFTERNOON SESSION (option to attend ONE workshop) from
PHOTOGRAPHIC MARK-MAKING WITH HERBAL DEVELOPERS
Hannah Fletcher from The Sustainable Darkroom
In this workshop we will work with local, seasonal herbal plants to make herbal tea. These same plants will then be used to make a low-toxicity photographic developer, which will be utilised to selectively develop areas of the photographic paper - producing chemigrams. Revealing patterns, marks, colours and unpredictable forms across the surface of the silver gelatine paper.
Hannah Fletcher is a visual artist, working predominantly across analogue photography. Her practice adapts around materials and environments, weaving photographic knowledge, processes and systems into ecological frameworks. This provides her with avenues through which she can rethink photographic futures that depart from capitalist ideologies. She is the founder of the Sustainable Darkroom, a charity dedicated to researching and disseminating lower-toxicity photographic materials and methods.
BUILDING RESILIENCE
Sarah Dhorne from HERBALISTS WITHOUT BORDERS Bristol (with artist Katy Connor)
In this workshop we will prepare a Fire Cider Vinegar; a warming immune boosting medicine taken throughout the winter to stimulate sluggish circulations and stave off winter illness. Each participant will take home a pot of their own, whilst contributing to making larger jars that will be donated to the HWB Project.
Herbalists Without Borders Bristol was established in 2016, as a deeply rooted act of resistance against an unjust global political system that has created border politics that entrench inequality and injustice. HWBB provides herbal healthcare to those vulnerable in our society, often excluded from access to NHS care - while treating each person with the dignity and respect they deserve. HWBB is a collaboration between volunteers who are passionate about plant medicine, including clinical and community herbalists, and herb growers, alongside local support projects that work with asylum seekers and refugees in Bristol.
SUSTAINABLE CUISNE WITH CIBOMATTO
Elisa Bozzarelli and Mari Lo Iacono
Participants will work together with artists Elisa and Mari, using local plants and herbs to prepare elements of the evening dinner, desert and drinks.
Cibomatto is a sustainable cuisine project and collaboration between Elisa Bozzarelli and Mari Lo Iacono. Rooted in the traditions of their farming families, their practice grows from the land and from the simple act of sharing food. They see food as culture, memory, and connection — a way to understand where we come from and how our choices shape the world around us. They create projects that weave together sustainability, community, and creativity, celebrating the joy of being together through food and art. Their work often takes the form of communal meals, workshops, and participatory events, where local ingredients and stories meet in moments of exchange and reflection.
FILM PERFORMANCE
BEEF Artists: Vicky Smith with Shirley Pegna, Matt Davies & Melanie Clifford, NOT (A) PART was conceived in relation to both the rapid decline of flying insects and the high recurrence of animation, handmade or contact film that works with the subject and/or material of flying insects. Numerous dead bees found on walks were positioned directly onto negative film and contact printed. Occupying approximately 24 frames they run at a rate of 1 bee per second. The length of the film is determined by how many specimens are found over a specified period of time.
Vicky Smith is an artist film maker and academic who has worked in experimental animation and 16mm film for 30 years and has screened work internationally in galleries and at festivals. Vicky was part of the London Film Makers Co-op, has a PhD in experimental film and lectures at the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham. She is co-founder of artist collective Bristol Experimental Expanded Film (BEEF) in Bristol.
Musician and sound artist Shirley Pegna: http://www.shirleypegna.com
Matt Davies an artist and field recordist: https://audiblefields.com
Melanie Clifford artist working in translation between film, sound, drawing, broadcast, material and site: https://melanieclifford.net/
http://www.beefbristol.org/members/
http://www.beefbristol.org/portfolio/environmental-arts-collective-care/
https://bricksbristol.org/
Entry requirements: 16+
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