Zombies in Sheffield?

It’s been a while since I wrote in the journal because things have suddenly become very busy here at Brabbs HQ.

I’ll start by explaining what the title is about… I visited the “Art in the Gardens,” in Sheffield’s beautiful botanical gardens. There were all sorts of exhibitors and everyone was in good spirits. I had a chat with quite a few strangers about art and it felt incredible to be there.

So where were the zombies?

Oustide the walls of the gardens it became a different world. The wonderful, friendly creative community felt a world away and Narnia was gone. Not a single person in the street returned my smile, only one made eye contact and I thought he was going to start a fight by the look on his face. Zombies. I’m sure of it.

Thankfully I was able to find a little solace when a squirrel started running towards me, no doubt looking to share somebody’s Starbucks. No such luck today mr squirrel, but it certainly was lovely to see you, and to also see the crow crossing a road, and the bee who was in the road who got moved to the nearest flowers. I say it a lot, but thank goodness for nature. I couldn’t wait to get home.

Back in the studio

Back in the studio and the kiln has hardly been turned off, I’ve been so busy creating, experimenting, sculpting and firing.

I’ve signed up for another six weeks workshops with The Sculpture Lounge, and to the North Light Studios for theirs too, so lots of learning and playing ahead!

A young Rhino called Goeffrey

I had my first Shamanic drumming circle experience at The Labyrinth in Denby Dale, where we set our intention to go on a journey to meet our, “power animal.”If it all sounds a bit woowoo then I’d suggest you give it a try – feeling acceptance for who you are, in a wonderful atmosphere was beautiful. I felt able to share my soul without judgment. It was an emotional, healing experience.

So what’s a “power animal?”

In a nutshell, it’s the main animal who helps, guides and supports us on our life journey – a guardian. Lots of animal helpers come and go depending on what we need, but this animal remains with us for life – both in the physical and spiritual world. I suppose it’s like having a guardian angel.

Well, I never expected mine to be a rhino! A youngster at that! I could feel his wrinkled armoured skin under my hands and my heart was bursting with love as I stroked his little ears. He was no longer a baby, but I’d say he was about a year old. Mischievously he dashed in and out of clay huts playing hide and seek and squeaking with joy. I felt so much happiness and enjoyed playing like we did as children. How wonderful.