Artitude in August

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River Embrace – Celebrating the River Faughan
Artitude artist Julie Griffiths invited participants to take part in a River Embrace, celebrating the River Faughan and marking the culmination of her work with residents of the Faughan DEA.
This special event took place on Wednesday 5 August, with each participant invited to choose a quiet spot along the River Faughan to attend individually. Everyone received a pack containing materials for the cyanotype printing activity, clay for creating imprints, and instructions presented in a handmade book. Participants were also encouraged to record their reflections and take time to be fully present with nature and the river.

Creating Cyanotype Prints
To create their cyanotype print, participants gathered a selection of flowers, leaves and other natural materials. These were arranged on specially treated fabric and placed in the sunlight, allowing the sun to create a unique image over approximately 45 minutes.

While waiting for the sunlight to work its magic, participants were encouraged to spend some quiet time alone in nature and to engage their senses:

Find different textures around you and take time to focus on your sense of touch — a smooth stone, a textured leaf, clay soil…
Trace around a stone with your finger, or follow the shape of a leaf or another stone. Notice your breathing begin to slow…
Take time to notice the other living things around you.

Creating a Silver Clay Memento
The time spent waiting also provided an opportunity for participants to create their silver clay print. The clay was formed into a pendant shape, with a small leaf or flower pressed into the surface to create a natural indentation.
The pendants will be baked during a future Biochar event, where the clay will transform into silver. Each participant will then have a unique memento of their involvement in the project and their connection to the River Faughan.

Participants were once again invited to immerse themselves in their surroundings:
Place your fingers and/or toes on the earth.
Listen with your ears, your hands, your fingers, your toes and your heart.
What is the furthest sound you can hear?
What is the nearest?
Slow your breathing. Ask the river for her advice. Find your stillness and rest with it.

Bringing the Prints Together
After spending time connecting with nature, the cyanotype prints were ready to be rinsed and dried. These individual pieces will become part of a larger communal artwork, stitched together to create a collective piece, with the River Faughan embroidered throughout.

Reflecting on the Journey
To bring the River Embrace to a close, participants were invited to reflect on their journey and involvement in the project:
Think back over our journey down the river together.
Has your thinking changed?
Are you seeing or doing things differently?
What thoughts, feelings or experiences are you taking away with you?

The River Embrace provided an opportunity to pause, reconnect with nature and reflect on the shared journey along the River Faughan, while creating lasting artwork and personal mementoes that celebrate the river, the landscape and the community.