Ref: SLW40067
“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” (Anatole France)
“I like walking because it is slow, and I suspect that the mind, like the feet, work at about three miles an hour. If this is so, then modern life is moving faster than the speed of thought or thoughtfulness.” (Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust)
You might suffer from mobility impairment, a hidden illness, fatigue or simply enjoy taking time. This slowly paced course will be the perfect choice for you.
In our fast moving society, we often forget that when we stay still, we discover the world in new ways and get closer to ourselves. For years, Caroline has offered courses on West Dean’s wider estate, affirming the necessity to be able to walk for long distances on uneven terrain. With this course, she is keen to offer something more inclusive, something everybody can access.
Every day, you will go for a slow walk. It might be that a square metre of grass will become your inspiration for the development of drawings, prints and/or stitch pieces in the nearby studio. You will be taught a variety of drawing exercises, designed to anchor you in the moment, to connect and observe, with all your senses, the world around you.
In the studio, your tutor will guide you and offer ways in which you could develop your sketches and notes. You will be encouraged to develop your own ideas. Your tutor will demonstrate ways of drawing, making simple monoprint and using stitch on paper or cloth. It might be that you choose to combine all three!
At the end of the course, you will have accessed West Dean’s grounds, made a series of sketches and created a response or a series of responses from your discoveries. Group and individual guidance will be offered throughout the course.
Two West Dean mobility scooters are available for use.
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing that are appropriate for the weather conditions.
On this course the College will supply some of the materials, including:
Available from shop:
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Please bring comfortable shoes and clothing, suitable for going outside.
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Core Team Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Short Course Tutor
Caroline Wendling's work explores ideas of place and belonging through layered projects that draw on history and explore local myths, inviting re-imagings of sites. She takes her audience on a physical, sensory and emotional journey leaving them with a poetic encounter and a story to tell.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
