Human Nature Connect Residency
The Human Nature Connect Residency took place at Rhossili, Wales in 2023. The three day residency exploring embodiment practices and their relationship with nature, was a programme of workshops facilitated by the Intercultural Roots Charity. Intercultural Roots promote and support Art For Health and Social Change. The Growing Intercultural Roots In Communities peer network, broadened Candice Black’s art practice with knowledge of embodiment, helped her to make creative connections, and provided new insights. The residency provided a unique experience, in a beautiful landscape, and the opportunity to work with experienced creative practitioners.
Through out the residency, participants were invited to share aspects of their creative practices. As they shared their knowledge of movement, dance, poetry, relaxation, embodiment, art, mindfulness, and how these relate to nature: new experiences were offered. Giving and receiving, showing appreciation, the cultivation of new ideas, and inspiration- were gifts of the process.
In this beautiful setting with a team of new people, Candice Black felt the challenge of moving out of her comfort zone where she had tried to improve and maintain her own mental and physical health, to learn from fellow creatives. There was a sense of reward for having tried these new experiences, which facilitated a dramatic change in her own perspective. A true example of art for health and social change.
In facilitating a workshop, Candice sought to create something tangible for the group to reflect on their experiences with. First, she invited participants to simply express themselves through visual materials such as felt-tip pens and colouring pencils on A5 paper, these images were then presented together in a gallery. Second, she presented a ball of string as a tangible line through space, where participants could leave mementos from their time on the residency.
It was a valuable experience to be able to share her practice with new peers, and she appreciated the positive response. The workshops took place in the Rhossili Village Hall, which is adjacent to the Bunkhouse accommodation, both wonderful facilities.
The residency was even fortunate enough to benefit from three days of exceptionally sunny weather. Exploring Rhossili beach, enjoying local food and coffee, and swimming in the sea, an experience for the senses.
Candice Black is truly to grateful to everyone who took part and to Intercultural Roots for the Human Nature Connect Residency.
To find about more about G.I.R.I.C and Intercultural Roots, please visit: www.interculturalroots.org