A Grain of the Self: Venda Wood Carving Intensive

Morning: The Encounter & The Foundation 09:00 – 10:30: Opening Circle & Philosophy. Introduction to the spiritual heritage of Venda wood carving and the philosophy of "listening" rather than "imposing". 10:30 – 11:30: The Selection Ritual. Participants choose a piece of raw indigenous wood . 11:30 – 13:00: Rhythm & Resistance. Introduction to tool safety and the fundamentals of the rhythmic strike. We learn the "voice" of the mallet and chisel, performing the first "knocks" to clear the outer bark. Afternoon: Deep Listening & Integration 13:00 – 14:00: Communal Lunch. A time for rest and shared reflection. 14:00 – 15:30: The Great Silence & Creative Repair. A period of silent carving to allow the subconscious to take over the process. We focus on "Creative Repair," learning to honor and incorporate cracks or flaws into the emerging form as a reflection of self-healing. 15:30 – 16:30: Anointing & Closing Circle. After final detailing, we apply natural oils to "awaken" the grain. The day concludes with a circle where participants share what they "heard" during the process rather than describing what they made. Participant Information Setting: The workshop is held in an open-air or well-ventilated studio to immerse participants in the scent of fresh wood. Facilitation Style: Non-hierarchical; the facilitator carves alongside the group, sharing the same physical and emotional space.

What to Bring

• •-Comfortable clothing suitable for dusty work.
• •-A journal for documenting reflections and "messages" from the wood.
• •-An open mind and a willingness to let the material lead the way.