Inter-tidal'writing workshops with writer-in-residence Kirsteen McNish

About

Saturday 19th July/ 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm

Join writer-in-residence Kirsteen McNish for a day of creative writing at the Exeter Custom House, with two exciting workshops examining the themes of Flow and Weft and Weave.

Together we will explore personal and fictionalised stories drawn from the changing nature of a tidal city and the relationship with the natural world, and things that are hidden or concealed. What does the inter-tidal nature of an estuary bring forth? What does the water bring in and then take away again? Where do confluences collide and what parts are stranded or saved or intertwine with other narratives?
Examining the Exe estuary and the combined inspirational energies of artists, musicians and poets alongside the natural environment as inspiration, Kirsteen will lead these two workshops around what harnesses the rhythm of the natural world, human and non-human stories to bring forth simple and yet impactful work that all contribute to a larger picture.

Read below for further details on each workshop.

Workshop One:
Folk, flow & churn (11-1pm)

This first workshop will examine the flow and churn and the energy of water, the pull of the moon, the mysterious and our internal tides, the folkloric, ritual, non-human and otherness in relation to water. Led by Kirsteen, we will look at stories that are somehow concealed, washed up, or churned by the tides. Participants will look at the esoteric nature of water and the force of flow and churn. and that of the rich and sometimes threatened ecology of where we live. Together we will delve into the creative imagination, the tidal nature of emotion, and the natural environment.

Workshop Two:
Weft and Weave (2-4pm)

In this second workshop of the day, we will draw inspiration from the industry of cloth and textiles in Exeter and the collections at the Quayside as metaphors for weaving stories into a convergence of tides and times. We will use field recordings from the natural environment of in and outside of the quay to provide an aural soundtrack, examining transience and stories that otherwise might not be heard. Drawing inspiration from archives, sound and the spaces between the built environment and the natural world, participants will create new material which makes up a larger interconnecting tapestry of work. We will look at transience and the fragmental nature of what it is to live in a city that tells thousands of stories that otherwise would perhaps be unheard.

*Smart phones with audio recorders/voice notes will be needed for this workshop. Should you require any assistance with this element of the workshop, please speak to a member of the Quay Words team.*

The workshops will take place in historic rooms on the first floor of the building. There is step-free entry to the ground floor and a lift connects the ground and first floors. If you have particular access requirements please phone or email the Custom House Visitor Centre in advance of your visit.

There are five free disabled parking spaces for registered Blue Badge holders next to the Exeter Antiques Centre immediately in front of the Custom House. Maximum stay is three hours.

Please email Quay Words on quaywords@literatureworks.org.uk with any accessibility enquiries.
We can accommodate free tickets for carers or personal assistants if needed just email us after booking to let us know.