Courses
The Art and Craft of Labyrinth
A three-day course exploring the philosophy and practice of labyrinths
with Daniel Docherty
26 - 28 February 2021 Cost: £195 Details
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Feedback from recent course participants ...
'Wonderful course with a good mix of theoretical techniques, practical skills and magic!'
'An outstanding course. Rich in techniques to go along with the mind boggling art of sacred geometry.'
'Just brilliant with a touch of magic!'
Please note: SAOG Studios is running an extended five-day Art and Craft of Labyrinth course 15 - 19 November 2021
Persian Patterns
Exploring the geometric genius of the Persian master-craftsmen
6, 7 March 2021 Details
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
10:00-17:00 Cost: £130
Explore the geometric genius of the Persian master-craftsmen.
Learn the art of compass and straight-edge construction and create a dazzling portfolio of geometric patterns from the Persian tradition.
"A brilliant course so clearly and patiently taught. Such a lovely few days and plenty to work
with after the course. Totally inspiring!"
Patricia Gidney (UK) January 2017 Persian Patterns course participant
My words are truly inadequate to express the way I feel about the Course, your work, your studio ... within seconds of walking through the door my eyes welled up with tears of utter heartfelt Joy so struck by the beauty, grace & feeling contained within the images that adorned the walls.
It felt like a coming home, something in me recognised something in them & it felt like coming home.
It’s been a mind blowing & momentous 3 days of discovery, initiation & finding my way back into a world so expansive yet containing filled with love, grace, spiritual connection & beauty ... I cannot believe how much I’ve discovered not only about myself but about the universe all contained within these works each one a portal of information within which one can choose to enter or observe while constructing. Extraordinary, inspiring ...
I truly cannot wait until I return.
Sara Hall (UK) June 2019 SAOG Studios Persian Patterns course participant
The Dance of Earth and Venus
with Daniel Docherty
26, 27 March 2021 Book Today
10:00-17:00 Cost: £130
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
The Dance of Earth and Venus results in one of the most beautiful and breathtaking rhythms and patterns of the solar system. Every eight Earth years (13 Venus years) they dance a pentagonal form in space akin to the pip-star inside your apple or the petals of a primrose flower! During this course we will learn how to draw this incredible pattern using the traditional tools of compass and straight-edge; we will explore the key aspects of Earth and Venus' cycles that determine such extraordinary heavenly harmony.
And time allowing ... with copper leaf and watercolour paint made from malachite and azurite - which in the Hermetic/Alchemical tradition have forever been associated with the planet Venus - we will create stunning mandalas embodying the Earth/Venus dance ...
'The dance of venus course was a mind-blowing, heart-opening experience!'
'Thank you for a magical course where time and space merged and disappeared!
Thank you for your kindness, poetry, patience, gift of sharing the spheres, planets and other joys ... I travelled out of my comfort zone and into magical realms of remembering and letting go. I have been transported way beyond any expectations ...'
(extr. from 2019 course participants feedback)
The Golden Ratio:
Jewel of Geometry and Cosmos
10, 11 April 2021
with Daniel Docherty
10:00-17:00 Cost: £130 Details/bookings
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Kite of Life with Golden squiggles - SAOG Studios March 2020
Sacred Art of Geometry: an introductory course
with Daniel Docherty
17, 18 April 2021
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
10:00-17:00 Cost: £120 Book now
Delve into the deep mysteries of Sacred Geometry - 'Art of the Ever-True', under the gentle guidance of SAOG Studios' senior tutor Daniel Docherty. You will learn how to draw the primary four, five and six fold 'Creation' Diagrams with the traditional geometer's tools of compass and straightedge. You will be introduced to the inherent symbolism of these symmetries and how they may be developed into a myriad of pattern possibilities. The pace of this weekend course will be set with beginners in mind and there will be time to enjoy conversation and colour ... and of course tea, coffee and cake!!!
Feedback from Oct. 2020 course
'... beyond expectations ...'
'What a wonderful couple of days!
Thanks so much. You hit the "beginners" note perfectly.
So much fascinating information. I really hope to be back for more ...'
'Heartfelt philosophy that resonates with our deepest wish expressed through design, colour and skilled instruction.
Who could not feel gratitude at this sharing.'
'Absolutely amazing and fantastic. I had a great weekend. I’ve been exploring geometry for just over a year now and this was a wonderful weekend of getting my foundation stones in a better order, sorted and a little more settled. I think it’s always good to revisit the fundamentals. I learnt so much and was reminded of a lot I had forgotten. I feel much more confident in my skills after the weekend. I’ll definitely be back to do another, it helped me put some of the pieces of the puzzle together. For me, it’s essential to remember the sacredness of these images every time I draw a pattern. It’s an adventure and an initiation into something magical and this weekend really brought that home to me. As ever Daniel, I’m truly grateful to you ... thank you so much for remaining open ... for holding the light and offering a portal to the divine for those who wish to step through it ... It’s heaven on Earth! '
Weaving the Cosmos:
Sacred Geometry and the Art of Hexagonal Weave Basketry
with Daniel Docherty
23 April 2021
10:00-17:00 Cost: £70
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Learn the art of hexagonal-weave basketry while discovering pattern and unity in nature and many of the world’s traditional cultures. Deepen your understanding of fundamental design principles such as the Golden Ratio.
Book today
Stonecircle Geometry and the Secrets of Megalithic Architecture
A two-day course with Adam Tetlow
24, 25 April 2021
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
10:00-17:00 Cost: £130 Book now
Come and explore the unique and breathtaking geometry behind some of the world's most ancient
architecture. From Stonehenge to Castlerigg, learn the methods of these ancient geometers.
The Craftsman's Secret
with Adam Tetlow
1, 2 May 2021
10:00-17:00 Cost: £130
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Book today
Harmonic design has long been a secret of the craft schools.
Using traditional methods we will explore the magic and mystery of harmonic geometry and how to marry these primordial forms to reveal the craftsman's secret;
an essential design tool which unifies the arts of the quadrivium.
New 2021 course dates ...
3 - 7 May and 29 November - 3 December
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
10:00-17:00 Cost: £385 Details/bookings
'I leaned more in five days than in three years of Art at university' June 2018 course participant
Learn the alchemy and processes involved in making your own set of watercolour and gouache paints.
The roots, berries and minerals that we will be precipitating, grinding and binding, all have
layered correspondences that link to the planetary archetypes.
Using compasses and straight-edge we will create mandalas that also resonate with the planetary patterns.
The symbolism and character of colour in different traditions will be explored as we apply our paints to patterns to reveal works of dazzling beauty to adorn the home and nourish the soul.
Click for further details and to view images from previous
Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern courses
'I feel on the Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern course that I was really entering into a deep organic process that was steeped in tradition and spiritually. I found it tremendously inspiring, nurturing and a deeply powerful experience - amazingly good!' Dec. 2017 course participant
The Art of Willow Basketry
with Annemarie O'Sullivan
(https://www.annemarieosullivan.co.uk
14 - 16 May 2021
10:00-17:00 Cost: £225
SAOG Studios, Emerson College,
Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Book today
Join us for three-days of Willow Weaving bliss
at SAOG Studios with master willow-weaver Annemarie O'Sullivan
Special event:
Patterns of the Planets
A celebration of the Dance of Earth and Venus
and other Heavenly Harmonies
24-28 May 2021
Limited places - early booking recommended
with Daniel Docherty
Guest contributors to include Tom Bree, John Martineau, Adam Tetlow John Wadsworth, Hartmut Warm
(Times may vary. Evening talks and events will feature during the week.)
Cost: £385 (limited conc. available upon request)
Book today
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Geometry of the Islamic World
with Daniel Docherty
(and guests)
4-7 June 2021 Book today
10:00-17:00 Cost: £265 incl. materials
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Good company, Fantastic Tutors (Daniel Adam and Ameet), Amazing Geometry ... life doesn’t get any better than that!
Thanks for another informative, awesome & awe inspiring course. I shall be back!
Sara Hall
It was such fun to spend seven glorious days immersing ourselves in the Geometry of Islamic Design.
Daniel has a gift for helping you to see the hidden treasures behind these beautiful patterns and their significance as an art form, an expression of the Divine, and as a means to explore oneself.
Thank you Daniel for your wisdom, your beautiful Studio, and for making these teachings so valuable to us.
Vashon Sarkisian
Come and join us on this practical journey of discovery as we travel half way around the globe to source the finest examples of Islamic Geometric Pattern; Persia, Turkey, Syria, India, and Moorish Morocco and Al-Andalus will feature in our travels. The genius of the craftsmen geometers from the Islamic Golden Age has never been surpassed; their pursuit and devotion for a unifying language embodying their Religion, Art and Science - without parallel.
The principles underlying Islamic Geometric Pattern are timeless and as relevant today as they have ever been or will be!
'There is nothing more timely than the Timeless' Dr Seyyed Hossein Nasr
It is deeply encouraging, in a world and culture that in the main continues to promote a fragmentary
and materialistic approach to Religion, Art and Science, that a resurgence of interest
and practice in Islamic Geometry is well under way.
This course will appeal to all lovers of Islamic Pattern, beginners and experienced alike, who would like to develop and deepen their understanding of this rich art form and the principles informing it. At the end of the course participants will have Head, Heart and Hands satisfied and in harmony!!
And a full portfolio of beautiful patterns from across the Islamic world..
Further feedback from March 2020 course ...
Not too many words left in my brain after this intensive course …
But it was Perfect!
Great mixture of drawing, excursion to London, tile-making etc …
I enjoyed all of it very much, very inspiring also with different teachers.
The love and passion in your presentations comes ‘’across’’ and makes all these patterns ‘’living patterns’’.
I am very much looking forward to coming to the new next course with you!!
Love and regards,
Monika
Thank you for your patience helping us construct these beautiful patterns.
I really enjoyed this week, it really helped me to quieten my mind and concentrate fully.
I felt very present (I, astral, etheric and physical body) working well together.
Dr Farah
Many thanks to Daniel, Adam, and Ameet.
I take away with me a much deepened respect, with a better understanding of Islamic Geometry.
Robin
Wonderful, inspiring room and beautiful surroundings.
Perfect course with a good balance of theory, explanations and practical work.
Werner
Good company, Fantastic Tutors, Amazing Geometry ... life doesn’t get any better than that!
Thanks for another informative, awesome & awe inspiring course. I shall be back!
Sara
Art of Mughal Floral Illumination
Three-day art workshop led by Sharmina Haq
(https://www.instagram.com/sharmina.haq)
11-13 June 2021
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
10:00-17:00 Cost: £195 incl. materials
Book today
Images: Sharmina Haq
A unique three-day practical painting workshop where participants will explore and draw inspiration from the stunning floral art of Shah Jahan’s Mughal courts.
Suitable for beginners or intermediate level with an interest in pattern, art and traditional methods and materials.
Wild Colour - Dye/Pigment/Pattern
with Deborah Barker and Daniel Docherty
New course dates: 14-18 June 2021
10:00-17:00 Cost: £385 Book Today
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Visit and follow@field_folk on Instagram for a taste of the stunning and important work of Deborah Barker
Silverpoint Drawing workshop
Discover the classical art of silverpoint
with Dr David Cranswick
10:00-17:00 Cost: £195 Book Today
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Silverpoint, along with copper point and gold point, was the main tool for drawing from the 14th century onwards until the development of graphite in the early 19th century. Drawing with metal point is a very different technique to drawing with graphite pencil, it gives the work a luminosity and refinement of line that is unique to this medium.
Students will be taught how to prepare traditional silverpoint grounds and will be guided through the stages of silverpoint, copper point and gold point drawing. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover this extraordinary technique. Students are welcome from all levels of experience, no previous drawing experience is required.
Dr David Cranswick trained at the Royal Academy, London, and has a PhD in traditional painting materials and techniques.
David teaches at The Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts as well as universities in Azerbaijan and China;
he is artist in residence at Cowdray House.
David will be joining us at SAOG Studios for two Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern courses ...
3 - 7 May 2021 and 29 Nov - 3 Dec 2021
Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern together with Daniel Docherty
Learn the alchemy and processes involved in making your own paints.
With compass and straight-edge create mandalas that resonate with the planetary patterns.
and also,
30 Aug. - 3 Sept. 2021
The Art and Craft of Traditional Egg Tempera Painting
Join us for this exciting and new collaborative course with two leading exponents of 'closed-loop' creating! Experience the joy and satisfaction of foraging and re-fashioning natural materials to create stunning dyes and inks, pigments and paints ... Learn the essentials of sacred geometry and how to create beautiful fabric print designs and 'resist' patterns using a variety of different methods and materials.
This course will be infused with a deep wonder and reverence for the bountiful gifts of the Earth and their harmonious and wholesome potential ...
Geometry of the Alhambra
with Daniel Docherty
10:00-17:00 Cost: £130 Book Today
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
The Alhambra Palace complex is home to some of the finest examples of Islamic Geometric Pattern in the world. During this two-day course we will learn how to construct a number of these patterns - ranging from the simple to highly sophisticated - using the traditional geometer's of compass and straightedge.
This course will be led in a gentle, easy to follow, step-by-step manner suitable for
both beginners and experienced alike.
The Art of Traditional Egg Tempera Painting
(incorporating the craft of traditional gesso making and gesso panel preparation)
with Dr David Cranswick
10:00-17:00 Cost: £385 Book Today
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Egg tempera has been practiced by artists for over two thousand years. It is one of the most durable and beautiful paints in the history of art. Students will discover how master practitioners of this art form prepared their pigments from the earth, rocks and plants and mixed with egg yolk to make their tempera paint.
Today egg tempera is becoming increasingly appreciated for its remarkable qualities of luminosity and durability.
Egg has a unique quality of transmitting light, giving to colours a luminosity and depth of tone unattainable in other mediums. During the workshop students will be carefully guided through the different stages of the technique.
Commencing with the traditional gesso making process, participants will then make an outline drawing (cartoon) before transferring it to their gesso panel. Over this the painting is then developed in layers of earth colour, from darkness to light. From out of this tonal composition the subject of the painting is gradually modelled and brought to life. Through the interplay of tone and colour, lighter tones are refracted from beneath, through the transparent layers, to the colours above, giving luminosity and depth to the subject. The unique quality of this classical technique resides in this profound interplay of tone and colour, structured in multiple layers of transparent paint.
Underlying these classical painting techniques and craft practises is a traditional philosophy which has its roots in Plato and the Hermetic tradition of Alchemy. Traditionally the craft practices are an embodiment of traditional knowledge and wisdom. It is through the discipline and training in traditional craft practices and technical disciplines that wisdom of this craft is gradually revealed
Inks and Ochres:
An introduction to foraged colour
with Daniel Docherty and Vija Docherty
10:00-17:00 Cost: £130 Book Today
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
A practical and participatory two-day introductory course for anyone wanting to develop a deeper relationship to ink and ochre. We will walk in the beautiful Ashdown Forest; we will reverently forage minerals and materials which we will transform - through various alchemical processes - into pigment, paint and ink. These endeavours will be accompanied by exercises in contemplative pattern construction and plein-air sketching.
Medieval Gilding
New dates tbc for 2021
With Lucie Galvani
10:00-17:00 Cost: £140 (incl. all materials)
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Book today
The artwork in medieval manuscripts is called illumination partly because the gold included in the paintings around the text was bringing light to the page and thus it was illuminated. Raised gilding on manuscript gesso is one of the most used techniques for applying gold leaf on designs in medieval manuscripts. This technique gives the most shine and mirror like effect to the gold and the slight relief enables the gold to catch light coming from every direction.
During this two days course participants will make a first small test piece and a second larger motif (around 10cm x10cm) using the technique of raised gilding and working with real gold leaf. The background will be painted with watercolours and pigments. The choice of motif is up to the participant. Examples of geometric shapes and ornate initial letters will be provided.Traditional recipes for manuscript gesso will also be covered during the course.
The Art of Projective Geometry
Spirals, Buds and Vortex Forms
with Sophia Montefiore
New course dates tbc
Cost: £195 (limited conc. available upon request)
Book today
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming Australian based Artsist/Educator and Projective Geometry expert
Sophia Montefiore back to SAOG Studios for a Summer 2021 Projective Geometry course. Participants will be introduced to the fundamental and profound principles of this unique art form through drawing/construction and colour work focussing on Spirals, Buds and Vortex Forms.
Just back home from my travels after the UK. Thanks to Sophia, Vija, Daniel and all who attended the course for making it such an enjoyable and instructive learning experience. There was some really beautiful work done by everyone. For my part, I hope to be able to continue working on projective geometry and to build on what we have learnt in the two days at Emerson, it was magic ...
Keith Wiskin July 2019
... so grateful for all that I learnt and was blessed to receive over the two days ...
It is amazing how much you can learn and I gained so much inspiration from everyone.
Thank you Sophia, Daniel and Vija.
I hope that there will be a part 2!
Lucy Horswill July 2019
Order in Space
Carving the Platonic Solids in Stone
A practical exploration of the five fundamental 'Platonic' forms
with Daniel Docherty and Nicholas G. Durnan
New course dates tbc soon
10:00-17:00 Cost: £385
SAOG Studios/Ruskin East,
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Join Daniel Docherty and master stone-mason Nicholas G. Durnan for this week-long course where participants will learn the principles of Order in Space through a deep study and immersion in the Five Platonic Solids. Daniel will lead the Monday and Tuesday sessions where we will familiarise and befriend the forms as we draw, model and weave them in various ways and at various scales. The focus of Wednesday/Thursday and Friday will be on the Carving of the Forms in Alabaster and Caen Limestone. It is possible and likely that particpants will be able to carve a full set of all five 'Platonic' solids.
... I had such a fabulous weekend! It was Awesome to carve The 5 Platonic Solids & I loved every minute. I have a deeper understanding of them after carving them & I feel like I’ve been initiated into something rather sacred. I’ve also discovered that I utterly adore carving stone ...
Another truly nourishing & enriching time at the SAOG Studio, I grow every time I come.
A million Thank You’s Daniel & Nick & until next time.
I’d absolutely love to carve more! Please let me know about any future plans & if I’m in the country I’ll be there!
Sara Hall - Participant on SAOG Studios' Intro. to the Platonic Solids and Carving the Platonic Solids in Stone courses Oct. 2019
Mandala and the Art of Henna
with Daniel Docherty and Sheetle Shah
10:00-17:00 Cost: £130 Book Today
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Join Daniel Docherty and Sheetle Shah for this practical two-day course exploring sacred pattern and the art of henna.
On the first day of the course Daniel will give an overview of the practice and philosophy of Mandalas from various traditions.
Participants will be introduced to certain key characteristics and significant symbolism inherent within traditional Mandalas. We will learn how to construct some of these sacred patterns using the traditional tools of compass and straightedge.
Sheetle, a henna artist with 20 years of experience with this traditional art form, will guide participants through the processes of making and preparing henna paste 'from scratch'. You will learn how to apply intricate patterns to paper, hands or feet depending on your preference! Henna is a natural pigment with remarkable staining qualities. You will learn how it is traditionally applied to hands and feet during festivals and celebrations; today, henna is also applied for ‘belly blessings’, cosmetic tattoos, semi-permanent face painting, hair dye and has developed many other creative roles.
Geometry of Ancient Egypt
A three-day course with Adam Tetlow
15 - 17 October 2021
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
10:00-17:00 Cost: £195 Book now
Join us on a journey through the geometric arts of Ancient Egypt ...
The profound relationship between qualitative geometry and the forms of architecture and sculpture is no where better expressed than in the ancient egyptian tradition.
During this course we will be drawing inspiration from the work of
R.A. Schwaller de Lubitcz, John Michell and others.
Daily themes ...
Day 1 - Golden Section: The philosophical implications of the golden section in Egyptian art
Day 2 - The Human Canon: Harmonics and proportions underlying human/divine form in Egyptian art
Day 3 - The Pyramids: The pyramids and earth measure. Draw and model the great pyramid of Giza to scale!
Adam Tetlow is an artist, writer and teacher.
He graduated from the PSTA's MA programme in 2003 under the esteemed tutelage of
Prof. Keith Critchlow and master geometer, Paul Marchant
He is the author of Celtic Pattern - Visual Rhythms of the Ancient Mind, co-author of Sacred Number, and contributor to Quadrivium and Designa (all published by Wooden Books). In 2019, Adam gave keynote addresses for the Temenos Academy's Fourth John Michell Symposium, Megalithomania and Rilko.
Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for an intensely insightful & transformative week in fabulous surroundings & wonderful company.
Thank you for your kindness & openess, for your generosity of heart, for the sharing of such deeply spiritual, meaningful & beautiful images.
I’m so grateful that you make the teaching & spreading of these amazing creations such joy & fun & so fascinating.
Every drawing for me is an initiation into something I cannot name & effects me in ways I do not entirely understand, at least not quite yet, but what I do know is that they awaken my soul & with each visit more of me arrives & comes alive!
I’m blessed to be taught by you & enjoy your company.
Thanks for such an awesome week - I’ve loved every minute!
Sara Hall
Feedback from Adam Tetlow's Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination week (SAOG Studios, Sept. 2020)
Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination
A five-day extended course with Adam Tetlow
25-29 October 2021
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East)
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
10:00-17:00 Cost: £335 Book now
Details
'The course was very exciting! Adam is an excellent teacher,
the location is wonderful and everything forces me to book further courses!'
Werner from Switzerland.
(Participant on SAOG Studio's Sept. 2019 Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination course)
Mandalas of the World
with Daniel Docherty
1-5 November 2021
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
10:00-17:00 Cost: £335
Booking
Mandalas, in essence, can be understood to be diagrams, patterns and pictures that are distillations
of cosmic wisdom and harmony; repositories of archetypal intelligence.
Mandalas offer a potentially powerful means of deepening one’s spiritual and contemplative practice.
This is especially true when they are constructed - using the traditional tools of compass and
straightedge - in a considered and contemplative manner.
During this week-long course, Daniel Docherty will guide participants through the construction of a number of mandalas from different traditions including mandalas that embody significant planetary patterns. We will explore their inherent symbolism and cosmic correspondences. Participants will
also make their our own inks and paints from plant and mineral in
order to colour and ensoul their designs.
This course has been a total joy, and it has been full of spiritual and cosmic revelation. The way Daniel teaches perfectly fits the way that I learn best. He treats the material with such reverence and poetic beauty. I feel this week has opened up a path for me, and I feel it will play an important part in my life from now on. I always felt barred from the artistic world, not feeling in any way that I possessed artistic talent but this course has given me access to an artistic passion. I only wish I had been introduced to this way of understanding and practising sacred art earlier! Thank you so much.
John Wadsworth:
PhD research student at CCCU and author of Your Zodiac Soul: Working with the Twelve Zodiac Gateways to Create Balance, Happiness & Wholeness - May 2019
This has been a very inspiring week exploring the mandalas of the world. The special space of the studio has supported me feel into the sacredness of these forms and patterns of the cosmos. Thank you Daniel for pouring your wisdom, insight and loving energy and sharing that amazing knowledge with us. One of the highlights of the course was the natural paint and ink making ... This has made the process of constructing and painting complete. I’m very inspired to continue this wonderful work at home and I am looking forward to coming back to this special place and teacher.
Nadeshda (Art of Yantra teacher/co-founder) Feb. 2020
29 November - 3 Decemeber 2021
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
10:00-17:00 Cost: £385 Details/bookings
'I leaned more in five days than in three years of Art at university' June 2018 course participant
Learn the alchemy and processes involved in making your own set of watercolour and gouache paints.
The roots, berries and minerals that we will be precipitating, grinding and binding, all have
layered correspondences that link to the planetary archetypes.
Using compasses and straight-edge we will create mandalas that also resonate with the planetary patterns.
The symbolism and character of colour in different traditions will be explored as we apply our paints to patterns to reveal works of dazzling beauty to adorn the home and nourish the soul.
Click for further details and to view images from previous
Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern courses
'I feel on the Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern course that I was really entering into a deep organic process that was steeped in tradition and spiritually. I found it tremendously inspiring, nurturing and a deeply powerful experience - amazingly good!' Dec. 2017 course participant
Moroccan Geometry and The Art of Zouaq Painting
with Daniel Docherty and Natasha Mann
Register your interest today - Click here
10:00-17:00 Cost: £385
SAOG Studios
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
The first two days of this course will focus on the construction of a number of beautiful Moroccan patterns using the traditional geometers' tools of compass and straightedge. Daniel Docherty will lead these classes in a gently guided, step-by-step manner suitable for both beginners and experienced alike.
The following three days, led by Natasha Mann, will introduce students to the Art of Zouaq.
Zouaq is a painting technique original to Morocco which creates arresting and powerful designs.
Found painted onto ceilings, doors, furniture and wooden objects it is an integral part
of the decoration of private homes and sacred spaces in Morocco.
Students will also be given an introduction to the history of Zouaq and its different styles.
Using the traditional techniques of egg tempera painting using hand ground natural pigments from earth and minerals, participants will choose their favourite design from their portfolio of Moroccan geometric patterns, to create a stunning painting on wood to take home
From Genesis to Revelation:
Chartres, Story and Sacred Geometry
13 September - 25 September 2021
SAOG Studios (Ruskin East) and Chartres, France
Cost: £970
Details/Bookings
Join Daniel Docherty (SAOG Studios co-founder and senior tutor),
Roi Gal-Or (International School of Storytelling co-founder) and guests, for this inspirational course/pilgrimage. The initial six days of the course will be held at
Emerson College, UK. The culminating six days of the programme
will take place in and around the Cathedral of Chartres, France.
