creative workshops and engagements

MASTERCLASSES WILL RESUME IN SPRING 2024

For one-on-one mentoring and support click here

STRATEGIES FOR CREATIVE PRACTICE 

Stirrup Gallery Addison Road Community Centre 142 Addison Road, Marrickville NSW (see below for information about accessibility)

Build a strong foundation for your creative practice in 2023!

Join me for an enjoyable, immersive two-day program supporting artists and creative practitioners to develop new strategies for their creative practice. You are invited to step outside your comfort zone and engage in open-ended, intuitive and experimental, process-based research, in a supportive and safe setting. 

The program includes diverse approaches to art practice, encouraging play and risk-taking with materials and techniques, writing and discussions as well as self-evaluation and critical reflection. You will be offered a unique collection of strategies for starting new projects, generating ideas and working through creative blocks; as well as gaining insight into your personal approach to art making. 

Participants will engage in collaborative and one-to-one discussions as well as individual time playing and experimenting with materials and ideas.

No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. Come with a creative curiosity for playing and experimenting with materials, processes and ideas.

A full list of requirements for the workshop will be provided upon confirmation of registration.

ACCESSIBILITY: The Stirrup Gallery has a ramp and is accessible for wheelchair users. There is an accessible bathroom close by on site at the Centre, but not in the gallery. There is accessible parking close to the gallery. Please contact me for specific access requirements.

Participant testimonials (Masterclass at Grampians Texture March 2022)

“Nicole’s workshop was an excellent balance between guided prompts and freedom of process. Her strategies were thoughtfully presented, stimulating and able to be adapted to any practice. I would recommend this experience to those looking to expand and deepen their approach to their art.” - Jill

“More than I could have imagined. Each day has been an exciting revelation. Nicole has provided insights and strategies that will help to move me forward in my own art practice.” - Cheryl

“Totally exceeded my expectations. The tutor was highly skilled and provided a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that generated amazing results. Very dense, inspirational content, excellent facilitation.” - Anne

“Nicole is a clever, intelligent and inspiring person. Her calm persona relaxes the class immediately and sets up a space that lets people feel free to explore. Awesome.” - Nicola

“Sincere thanks for your guidance over the last six days. You’ve created a supportive environment in which each person’s contributions were encouraged and valued. I felt you were tuned into the diverse needs of people in the group and challenged us individually while at the same time, providing a strong framework to enable that.  For opening up my thinking via a balanced and well considered program, thank you!” - Pat

“Strategies for Creative Practice introduced me to new ways of thinking and working within my art practice. Nicole has a thorough and deep knowledge of her subject and is generous in sharing this knowledge. The course was well planned, presented and paced. Nicole responded to the needs and progress of the group.  Her workshop provided a framework that allowed us all to develop in our own way, while always being there to provide support. I particularly appreciated and gained from the daily one-on-one discussions.” - Lindsay 

ECO-DYEING WORKSHOPS WILL RESUME IN 2024

Eco-dyeing: Colouring Cloth with Plants

Join artist Nicole Barakat for a fun and engaging workshop playing with plants to colour cloth!
Nicole will generously share her skills and knowledge from her 20-years experience working with plant materials to dye cloth in ethical and sensitive ways. Learn a number of eco-dyeing techniques including, immersive dyeing, resist dyeing and eco-printing.
Use readily available plant materials with affordable and accessible techniques that can be replicated at home. Gather your friends and join us for an enjoyable and creative evening!

Nicole learnt to dye cloth with plants 25 years ago on the banks of the Murrumbidgee on Wiradjuri Country, under the guidance of Julie Montgarrett and Ruth Hadlow. Nicole has developed her dyeing practice in ethical and sensitive ways, in line with her cultural practices that are rooted in re-membering and re-gathering her ancestral knowing. In 2021, Nicole created a large-scale, collaborative eco-dyed artwork with the Rohingya Women’s Development Organisation for the Powerhouse Museum’s exhibition Eucalyptusdom.