︎ Collective Folklore Workshop ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎
As part of a project about freshwater conservation, worked with local communities by facilitating workshops to collectively imagine a new ‘folklore’ for some local ponds which where being re-wilded. The workshops involved; drawing games, creative writing and story building. I made different worksheets to suit different age ranges, from toddlers to adults!
The work considers the role of folklore and collective imagination; how stories can animate a landscape, inspiring reverence and awe. It also touches on ecological grief, asking whether folklore might offer a kind of protection to local habitats. Are we more likely to keep water unpolluted if we think of it as a living being? Or might we leave the ponds undisturbed altogether, for fear of waking something from the depths?
I would love to expand this project, and be able to facilitate more workshops involving print-making and puppetry. I see these workshops as ‘phase one’ as its a project which could shapeshift as much as the magical creature we may create!
For futher information, or to book this workshop please send an emai to: emilyjrsimpson@gmail.com
