Origins of the idea

Very often, in my work as a creative writing teacher, I begin a workshop with some form of sensory experience. This tangible prompt is intended to create access to a source of memories, associations, feelings and ideas. By beginning to express these images in language not only do we develop greater confidence in our writing but also we reach new perceptions of our subject, and ourselves related to that subject. The writing process has allowed us to reach a new understanding and this can be both illuminating and moving. I began to wonder whether such methods would be valuable to the visual artist. Whether, through creative writing, the artist could make new connections and identify new themes in their work. Whether the writing process could offer a new expressive voice with which to crystallise that, which until now, had been unarticulated.

Premise behind workshops

• For artists to access a world of language that is connected to their work and their practice.
• For artists to explore the sensual and conceptual journey of a work using creative writing as a vehicle for discovery and communication.

Workshop Structure

• The day is shaped around simple exercises in which we use creative writing techniques to depict, explore and extend awareness of our work. The safe and supportive conditions are for participants to share their writing and receive some good quality listening, feedback and reflection.

Intended Outcome

Participating artists will have an experience of creative writing as:

• An expressive tool with which to document their process and talk about their practice
• An intuitive tool that can illuminate unseen features of a work and can enable new perceptions of their subject and themselves in relation to their subject.
• A dynamic tool that can assist in the evolution of a work and/or create conditions for new work to begin.

For more information on these workshops and other creative experiences please contact Briony

10-week
courses

weekend
workshops

introduction to
memoir writing

introduction to
fiction writing

workshops in
creative writing &
the visual arts

creative writing
workshops for artists
& art students

creative writing
workshops in
museums & galleries

Participant Comments

''It was surprising to find myself amongst a group of strong and experienced artists who, despite their obvious experience and talent, shared my reticence and doubt about writing about my work. Briony, an eloquent, insightful, reassuring guide, led us through a series of exercises that loosened us up to new ways of expressing what was key to our work and creative processes. The day was incredibly valuable not only resulting in some very interesting writing but also fresh insights into how and why I make art.''

Bronwen Gwillim

''I followed one of Briony's beginners' and follow-on courses, as well as reflecting on my practice as an artist. These workshops were all inspiring. Briony has a gentle and compassionate touch that allows the shy or nervous writer immediate or full access to his or her psyche and gives permission (as if one needed it, but somehow one needs someone to give it!) to explore the inner self, and have free access to that rich library of words that we all have but use so little of.''

Jane Mowat

''As a visual artist I have always found it difficult to describe my work in words. Briony's workshop changed that for me. Through different exercises and various approaches we were encouraged to explore our own practice from a personal viewpoint in order to get the essence of our work and what it means to us...at the workshop I was surprised how positive the outcome was for me. It opened up ways of describing my work I otherwise would not have considered. I took away a piece that I would have found virtually impossible to produce beforehand.''

Ingrid Hesling