Applecore: An exploration into conceptual botanical design centered around the apple
Facilitator: Emma Thistlethwaite
A harvest inspired workshop exploring the form, life cycle & symbolism of apples in a 3D sculptural manifestation.
Using concept led design, sustainable practice & nature based curatorial ideologies to form work with character and narrative.
Event time: Sun 22nd Sep 2024 at 9:30am - Sun 22nd Sep 2024 at 4:00pm
- Creating 3D forms with apple in many states
- Conceptual botanical design: curating plants using idea & symbolism
- Exploring natural materials other than flowers to design with
- Creating with plants using nature led design ideologies
Participants will Gain
- Knowledge of design principles and how to curate elements with intention
- Sustainable mechanics & methods and approach to seasonality
- High resolution artful photographs of both your personal and group creations for portfolio building
- An expanded understanding on what floral/botanical design can look like
The Flow of The Day
The day will be split into 2 halves of the same apple, during the morning you will create organic sculptural forms using apples & branches and then encase your own autumn ikebana inspired flower arrangement within, a walk around the grounds will see you forage for found shapes and textures to add a unique quality to your arrangements.
You will be guided by Emma to create forms that are free & nature inspired using plastic free methods of binding & fixing.
These curations will then form a harvest tablescape created outside using both props, seasonal produce, & found objects.
This altar will then become the table in which we break for lunch.
After lunch you will be working collectively with your fellow workshoppers to create a large-scale free standing sculpture based on ideas, stories and symbolism centered around apple within the year.
Using techniques learnt in the morning on a larger scale, you will create an installation where apples and flowers work together to tell a visual story.
Your Stay At Hawkwood
Hawkwood is a stunning Grade II listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there’s plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts. Our programme of courses is led by experienced tutors and leaders in their fields.
What Is Included
During your healing day workshop, you will get to enjoy fresh, delicious home-cooked lunches and all refreshments! Our food is prepared daily with love and care by our experienced in-house kitchen team here at Hawkwood.
Additional Activities
Mindful walking through our woodland trails
Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
Discover surrounding charming market towns
“Thanks Emma for running such a great floristry class. It has been really inspiring and decent nourishment for the soul! I love seeking out things from the garden to use in floral displays now and it is like seeing with new eyes. Really wonderful teaching!”
Roisin, past SGS introduction to floristry student
Please use the form below to register your interest in the course or event
Practical Information
Open to all experience levels but also open to floral designers that may want to diversify their design approach.
Bring secateurs if possible.
Emma Thistlethwaite
Emma Thistlethwaite is a botanical designer & installation artist of nearly a decade, her work as Thistle by Nature touches on themes of circularity & seasonality and is inspired by stories rooted in the landscape & symbolism in the natural world.
Emma has had a varied career in the floristry industry including exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea flower show, attaining the ambassadors choice award for a floral installation for her piece ‘ANNUAL’ in 2023.
Emma teaches the introduction to floristry course at SGS college where she allows students to approach flower arranging with a creative perspective as well as advocating for seasonally led design with sustainable practice.
Testimonials
Upcoming Courses & Events
Hawkwood is an educational charity providing courses, facilitating training and offering venue hire, set in a stunning location in the Cotswolds.
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