Workshops
I am an experienced tutor, having for the past twelve years brought compassion-led teaching to students at a variety of universities, colleges, charities and art spaces (including Central Saint Martins, University of Central Lancashire, Writing on the Wall, and Finnish Art Agency).
My current ‘off the shelf’ workshops:
- How to write an artist’s statement
- Every time I write, I create myself
- On Looking
See testimonials here.
If you’d like me to teach a class, or devise a new class for you, do get in touch via laura[at]thedoublenegative.co.uk.
Archive example:
'Every time I write, I create myself'
A workshop devised for artists: playing with the written ‘voice’
- Sunday 17 July 2022, 1-3pm GMT (2 hours)
- Zoom, delivered in English language (from my base in Liverpool, UK)
- Suitable for beginners, or those looking to refresh their writing skills
- £25 per person (free places for those currently unemployed, contact me below).
Are you feeling the dreaded creative block descend?
Looking for the right words to articulate what it is that you’re creating at the moment?
Would like to feel more confident about writing?
Looking for the right words to articulate what it is that you’re creating at the moment?
Would like to feel more confident about writing?
Then put your trust in me! This workshop, entitled 'Every time I write, I create myself’, is aimed at artists at any stage in their career who would like to play with voices in their writing (emphasis on creative play). This is especially pertinent for anyone wanting to write about new work or work-in-progress.
Who:
I am a professional writer and art critic with over ten years of experience: teaching young adults, FE, HE and the general public. I trained as an artist, graduated from MA Writing at the Royal College of Art (specialising in experimental art criticism), and consider writing as my creative practice. I'm super enthusiastic about experimenting with text, particularly arts writing, as a way in which to find a 'voice'; as a way to face ourselves, our true selves, on the page.
What to expect:
You will leave this two hour workshop feeling more confident! Expect a positive, friendly and private writing space in which to experiment with your voice, with lots of very quick and generative writing exercises. You will not be expected to share unfinished drafts. You will be encouraged to banish the ‘inner critic’ and allow your writing to have an infancy. We'll be having fun with different styles of writing that are highly 'subjective' (personal), and based on our own ideas, experiences and memories. You will leave with starting points, threads, to develop in your own time.
What others say:
I have recently run versions of this workshop for University for the Creative Arts and the Finnish Art Agency, and would like to make it available to more artists.
The way you approach writing and storytelling felt like breath of fresh air to me. It really encouraged me to use words and writing more creatively and to do it with my own personal but honest way. I'm rejuvenated.
It was superb! I think you gave us more space to hear our own voice... Today your words convinced me once again that I have to write down my thoughts and work with these insecurities. I love to write but there is a challenge still.
It was superb! I think you gave us more space to hear our own voice... Today your words convinced me once again that I have to write down my thoughts and work with these insecurities. I love to write but there is a challenge still.
What to bring:
- Access to Zoom
- Pen and paper
- Comfortable sitting position in a quiet room
- An open mind.
Inspiration:
The title of this workshop is inspired by one of my all time favourite writers, the iconic science fiction novelist Octavia E. Butler. Butler was empathetic and very generous with her advice, perhaps because she grew up in poverty (and trying to break through into a creative career utterly dominated by white men). I return to this Butler quote again and again for sustenance:
Every story I create, creates me. I write to create myself. Every story I write adds to me a little, changes me a little, forces me to reexamine an attitude or belief, causes me to research and learn, helps me to understand people and grow.
We'll be looking at Butler, plus other incredible writers, critics and artists (Deborah Levy, Lynne Tillman, Claes Oldenburg), who use writing as a way to express themselves in a voice that is utterly their own.
To book:
Please pay via PayPal (secure, immediate).
1 x £25.00 full price ticket to workshop, 'Every time I write, I create myself', 17 July 2022 (non-refundable payment):
Free places:
Free places are limited: if you are currently unemployed, you are very welcome to a free slot, as I’ve been in this position myself! You absolutely need creative play when you’re unemployed, more than ever! Please email me to request a place.
Questions?
Can’t see the PayPal button, above? Have a special request?
Email me laura[at]thedoublenegative[dot]co[dot]uk.
You will be sent booking confirmation, and further information in advance of our workshop on 17 July 2022 after payment has been accepted. After the workshop, I will share a recording PLUS a list of generative writing prompts for you to take away.
I’m looking forward to it! Bye for now x