Hosted in the idyllic setting of The Design Chapel housed within Southampton’s Old Cemetery grounds, join artist Lucie Smith for a mindful and nature-focused workshop.

Discover the beauty of organic sculpture whilst learning the ancient craft technique of cordage-making to create your own multilayered piece of art.

We’ll start the workshop with a walk around the beautifully wild cemetery grounds, taking notice of the common plants and grasses that can be used to create cordage twine.

You’ll learn about the possibilities and symbolism of working with organic matter in art and the ways that techniques of assembling can feed into themes that centre ourselves in unison with the natural world.

When we return to The Design Chapel, a demonstration will be given on how to turn natural materials such as grass, wool and flax into cordage, which you can choose to incorporate into your artwork if you’d like to.

Taking inspiration from the visual examples provided alongside your intuition, you’ll choose from a selection of organic fibres and materials which will include things such as wool, moss, flax fibre, jute and organic textile fragments. We’ll look at techniques for assembling these materials including weaving, stitching, tying and wrapping.

Examples of Lucie’s sculptural works using this style of making are shown on this listing and demonstrate what is possible, but the emphasis is on what you feel drawn to making and bringing together as to what will be created.

Dedicated tuition will be provided to everyone who attends, some experience of weaving and/or sewing would be beneficial but not necessary. Although all materials will be provided, you are more than welcome to bring your own organic materials to work with too, e.g. things from the garden and/or things you may have collected.

Included in your ticket

All materials and tuition to create your cordage and organic sculpture, a nature walk, access to the beautiful Design Chapel workshop space including facilities, specially brewed loose leaf herbal tea and a slice of cake.

Please note that this workshop will require a minimum of 7 people to run. There are a limited number of lower priced tickets available for those who would benefit from paying a reduced ticket fee. If you are able to cover the full amount, please allow others who may benefit to have priority for these tickets.

About Lucie

Lucie is a conceptual artist and educator based in Hampshire. Through art she explores innate connections between the human condition and the landscape. She believes deeply in the healing power of nature.

Lucie works with communities, organisations and individuals around Hampshire. She studied her BA in Fine Art at Arts University Plymouth and is currently studying a Masters in Contemporary Art and Archaeology. Lucie regularly exhibits in Hampshire and beyond.

Contact and connect with Lucie - Instagram and Facebook: @luciesmithart, email: luciesmithart@gmail.com, website: luciesmithart.com

Accessibility information

The Design Chapel is fully accessible with no stairs on entry. There is also an accessible toilet closeby to the workshop area. There is free street parking on Cemetery Road close by - The Design Chapel is situated in the Old Cemetery which is next to Southampton Common.

Organic Sculpture and Wild Cordage Workshop