‘Geometry is a universal language. The laws of geometry are infinite and the same, regardless of difference of culture or location. As a result of this unchanging quality it has been considered sacred in different religious traditions due to it reflecting the unchanging world of spirit. The wider cosmos is full of spheres that are moving in circular motions. Together the patterns of movement create spirals of galaxy formations which astronomically reflect similar spirals found in sea shells. The five-foldness of the wild rose reflects the five-foldness of a cosmological phenomenon known as the Venus pentagram. But the same five-foldness is also found in microscopic sea organisms called diatoms.’

This course will help you understand both the practical and symbolic aspects of the art of sacred geometry, and how to bring together these two approaches to create one integrated study.

You will learn the principles of geometry and how it applies to the natural world and wider cosmos. You will then learn techniques to translate this knowledge into your drawing.

Through a series of exercises, you will begin drawing simple patterns and then slowly move onto slightly more complex ones. You will then explore colour to complete your drawings. Throughout the drawing sessions, conversation will be encouraged and supported as you focus on the contemplative dimension of the practice of sacred geometry and discover how this has been used in different spiritual and religious traditions going back into history.

By the end of the course, you will have completed a series of coloured patterns and gained knowledge and understanding of the symbolic dimension of the art.

Included

• Tracing paper and A3 paper for the duration of the course

What students need to bring

Optional (though not essential) preparation is to practise drawing circles with a pair of compasses. Please bring any items you may have from the following list:

• One HB pencil
• One hard pencil, such as a 2H, 3H or 4H pencil
• One ruler with inch and cm markings
• A selection of colouring pencils
• A rubber
• A pencil sharpener
• Masking tape
• Bring a good pair of compasses for drawing circles. A pair of compasses with a cross bar would be useful. Spend no less than £15-£20. The tutor recommends a Rotring compact geometry compass RT44060, available online, or the Taliaplast spring compass with pencil holder in polished steel, available online from classichandtools.com. The tutor will bring some, so only bring your own compasses if you have a favourite pair that you like to use.

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• The College Craft Shop stocks a range of drawing materials, including pencils, rubbers, rulers and sharpeners.

Available from tutor:

• You can purchase a pair of compasses from your tutor should you wish.

Additional information

To succeed on the course, you need to be able to draw a circle with a pair of compasses.

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 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*
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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