The Continuum of Earth Part 2: Nature as teacher

Earth, plants and people woven together in physical form

I’m still buzzing from teaching at last week’s Earth and Fibre workshop @Terre, Femmes et Savoir-faire, a 5 year project celebrating the work of craftswomen in natural building. My idea was to create a continuum of earth techniques in physical form…….exploring typologies and technologies as fluid, flowing and integrated, creating space for composites, hybrids and unexplored ideas that don’t fit into neat categories. For me the edge or hinterland in most things is where exciting and innovating stuff takes shape.

Our first day covered the fundamentals and principles of working with earth – how to source, mix and manipulate wet clay rich materials with dry fibrous ones, selecting and adapting using diverse soils, plants, green wood, hands, feet and simple tools. Understanding the science and physics of earth building through a series of experiments and then tapping into instinct and intuition to create something responsive and timeless over the following three days; a large single structure that was part building and part sculpture.

We began with a rough plan based on a mobius strip (sustainable looping form) which was simplified as a figure of 8, then developed into a spiral and circle with openings and details that drew you in. I had no clear idea how well the co-creative process would work or whether it would be confusing to follow such a nuanced approach, but the trust and openness of the group created a beautiful flow of energy and inspiration. Textures and shapes emerged and the design was integral to the sensory experience of making as a group process.

The most exciting part for me was the dynamic balance between materials, bodies and thought……… like a dance into the unknown. Throughout the creative process we were guided by the phrase written large on the wall “ What if ….?”, inviting curiosity and playful exploration with materials. We also had a “Juice Board” where we wrote ideas, questions and burning issues, so we can follow the “juice” later when our hands are less busy and our minds have time to digest and discuss the stuff that matters.

On day three in our morning circle (every day is framed by circles) I asked the group what the earth had taught or shown them. I wish I had recorded this moment – it was such a glorious melting pot of practical, intellectual and emotional wisdom grounded in experience. Embedded in the physical and artistic process, rich themes and metaphors emerged around health, tradition, identity and place. In short it became clear to me that by immersing ourselves in creativity with earth and plants we were able to reconnect and reimagine our relationship with the natural world and each other.

I am so grateful to my fellow tutors Alison Hilton, Olivia Schneider and Emmanuelle Dighuerer and all the participants who were open and generous with their input and inspiration.  Thanks also to Sylvie Wheeler, Alexandre Douline and the whole team at TFS for creating this really important and impactful project.

And finally thanks to Naji and others for some beautiful photos and videos, some are shared here.