This course contains exciting new patterns and presentations, so it is good for those who have previously taken part in the tutor’s geometry class at West Dean. However, it would also be appropriate for complete beginners who would like to try and explore drawing with geometry for the first time.

‘Geometry is a universal language. The laws of geometry are infinite and the same, regardless of difference of culture or location. As a result of this unchanging quality it has been considered sacred in different religious traditions due to it reflecting the unchanging world of spirit. The wider cosmos is full of spheres that are moving in circular motions. Together the patterns of movement create spirals of galaxy formations which astronomically reflect similar spirals found in sea shells. The five-foldness of the wild rose reflects the five-foldness of a cosmological phenomenon known as the Venus pentagram. But the same five-foldness is also found in microscopic sea organisms called diatoms.’

This course will help you to understand both the practical and symbolic aspects of the art of sacred geometry, and how to bring together these two approaches to create one integrated study.

You will learn the principles of geometry and how it applies to the natural world and wider cosmos. You will then learn techniques to translate this knowledge into your drawing.

Through a series of exercises, you will begin drawing simple patterns and then slowly move onto slightly more complex ones. You will then explore colour to complete your drawings. Throughout the drawing sessions, conversation will be encouraged and supported as you focus on the contemplative dimension of the practice of sacred geometry, and you will discover how this has been used in different spiritual and religious traditions going back into history.

By the end of the course, you will have completed a series of coloured patterns and gained knowledge and understanding of the symbolic dimension of the art.

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Included

• Tracing paper and A3 paper for the duration of the course will be provided.

What students need to bring

• Optional (though not essential) preparation is to practise drawing circles with a pair of compasses.
• One HB pencil
• One 2H or 3H or 4H pencil
• One ruler with inch and cm markings
• Selection of colouring pencils
• Rubber, pencil sharpener
• A good pair of compasses for drawing circles. A pair of compasses with a cross bar would be useful. Spend no less than £15-£20. The tutor recommends a Rotring compact geometry compass RT44060 available online or the Taliaplast spring compass with pencil holder in polished steel available online from classichandtools.com– although your tutor will bring some along, so only bring your own compasses if you have a favourite pair that you like to use
• Masking tape

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• A good variety of pencils including HB, 2H, 3H and 4H
• Rubbers and pencil sharpeners
• Ruler with inch and cm markings
• Coloured pencils
• A pair of compasses for drawing circles - Rotring compact geometry compass RT44060 or the Taliaplast spring compass with pencil holder in polished steel
• Masking tape

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear (no open-toes or sandals).