Hoathly Hill Sculpture Studio

This studio space has existed for many years at Hoathly Hill. It is a place where anyone is welcome who wants to try get their hands, heart and head active. Different people of all ages, abilities and needs enjoy themselves creating in clay, stone, wood or try drawing. The atmosphere is warm, supportive, nurturing and inclusive. All abilities are accepted, and everyone works at their own pace. No time pressure, provides relaxation, comfort and self-affirmation.

Some people who come to the studio are complete beginners who have never tried to do any sculpture, but who have always dreamed of it. Others may have some experience from their school years and want to try it again. There are some that feel drawn to the studio, to express themselves in the three dimensions and others feel it gives them connection to themselves which has been damaged through trauma or other inabilities. In fact, to touch clay and connect to the earth element, feels good, providing grounding and can also be empowering.

Coming through the door and seeing what other people have achieved may be daunting for some and might take courage to come and learn to accept one’s own little steps without comparing one’s own work with others. People who come to the studio are accepting and encouraging of visitors and new people to the studio. No one needs to be a master as it is a journey of discovering form, oneself and the world anew.

People start to see forms in nature. How a bud of a tree branch or flower unfolds, what shapes flowers have, the shapes of bushes or trees, the formation of landscapes — as in the rolling hills of the South Downs. People learn to see and how to look at sculptures or any art. They will experience movement of form, energies, expressions and many more things. Through new eyes, the world may begin to look different. We encourage connection with nature and its extraordinarily different expressions. After all we are also shaped through natural forces.

Sculptures can express representational shapes like that of a torso, or animal or they can be non-representational. It is an exploration and conversation, a listening to the creative force within us, something that may be hidden and wants to be discovered.

Over time a supportive and diverse cultural community has formed in which everyone is accepted and can feel part of the human warmth experienced at the studio.

In a time where isolation is a challenge, and for some depression and anxiety a concern, sculpture can contribute to better health and wellbeing, and improved better quality of life.

A report about research done by World Health Organization (WHO) says that arts can help improve our mental and physical health. (12. November 2019)

Tutors

Maria Albiez

RATh, Dip. Art Therapist, Sculptor and Supervisor.

She has also a diploma in remedial education and worked for many years with children and adults with special needs. Since 1997 she is co-director of the studio working both as artist and tutor. She also maintains an art therapy practice and has worked in clinics and hospital.

Dorothea Kuth

Trained nurse and Waldorf teacher

sculpture training and does art therapy training for schools. Since 2018, she is co-director of the studio working as artist, tutor and working with children, home schooling, learning and developmental challenges and after school care.

For more information visit the studio website.