ANNOUNCING: SOUTH AUSTRALIA WORKSHOPS FOR CUTTLEFEST 2024



Workshops and experiences for all ages

Dynamic, hands-on workshops for children and adults delivered with energy and insight by Sue 

    Workshop with Sue

     

    Observational Illustration & Marine Discovery 

    “Thank you, Sue. It was great to learn about the Blue Groper and learn about Observational Illustration. The class was a lovely vibe” – Tracey

    Hone your observational superpowers and try some innovative techniques developed by Sue. It's a dynamic and engaging few hours where you'll learn a little more about some quirky marine animals, study them and begin to draw natural forms. You'll be encouraged to also bring in objects from nature that inspire you. This may be a step toward discovering your own, unique style.

    This is a fun few hours where everyone is on the same level. it's a great experience when all ages interact and learn together. It's the perfect inter-generational experience!

    PROGRAM BASICS: maximum attendance of 20 people.

    • 2 hours 
    • Focus is on marine animals and environment with the ability to observe, study and immerse via underwater video, photos and insights from Sue's diving experiences. 
    • Introduction to creativity, self-expression, research and preparation techniques, marine animals and environment and observational illustration skills.
    • Information for attendess is here 

    WORKSHOP TOPICS 

    • Eastern Blue Groper
    • Australian Giant Cuttlefish
    • Syngnathidae- Seahorses and Weedy Seadragon - September 2024

      WHO CAN ATTEND: This workshop is perfect for everyone. No prior skills or abilities needed to participate. Great for families.

      Age suitability: from 7yrs. Under 16yrs need to be accompanied by an adult, who is also a participant.

      Reignite Your Creative Spark 

      “I’m not creative. I’m not artistic. I used to _____ but I haven’t done it for a long time. I’ve lost my creativity”.

       Does this sound like you? Are you searching for your way to get ‘unstuck’ and to find ‘your thing’ – your creativity or self-expression outlet?

      Join like-souled creativity seekers in a space and time that’s focused on helping you identify, clarify, and explore interests, reignite passions, and develop new skills!

      This powerful and practical talk and workshop session will help those who want to get their self-expression juices flowing again. Creativity is not just expressed through art, and many people believe you must be ‘good’ in artistic ways to demonstrate creativity. Your ‘thing’ might be cooking, or math!

      PROGRAM:

      • What does creativity and self-expression mean to me?
      • How to spark interest and inspiration.
      • Practical session on ways to explore and creating a plan for your creative journey.
      • Longer sessions and series creation is available.

      For Adults: particularly those who are struggling to connect with themselves and self-expression. Expect candid group discussions and themes.

      For children & young adults – from 7 up: addressing what creativity really is and challenging the ‘I’m not creative’ conditioning and providing some ideas to incorporate good habits around thoughts and activities to keep connected and motivated to exploring creativity.

      • 3 hour workshop 
      • Maximum attendance of 20 people. 

      Author Brand and Marketing Workshop - more here  

      Workshop categories and pricing guide

      PUBLIC WORKSHOPS

      Some workshop fees are subsidised with support from organisations.

      Adults-only groups:

      Duration: 2-3 hrs

      Fees: $55-$120  

      Sessions dedicated to adults are an opportunity for candid discussions about creative blocks and reigniting your creative spark. It's dedicated time and space to relax, explore and play. Ideal for adults searching for a little guidance and inspiration on their creative journey and an introduction to illustration skills. 

      General, family friendly groups

      Duration: 2 hrs

      Fees:
      Youth: 7-16yrs $55-$75 incl GST

      • Minimum age is 7yrs. Youth under 16yrs must be accompanied by an adult, who is also a participant.
      • General workshops are perfect for individuals and families. It’s so special, because as young people learn alongside adults. It’s a wonderful vibe and an opportunity for some intergenerational connection where everyone can participate as equals.
      • School holiday workshops - youth and adults are the same price.
      • Kids only sessions will be group bookings by organisations with teachers and parents providing supervision. These can be incursions or excursions.

       
      Booking with your $50 NSW Active and Creative Kids Vouchers

      1. Put your voucher number in the comments section alongside the name(s) of the child(ren) you’re paying for.
      2. Pay for the workshop as it will secure your tickets. When your valid voucher has been processed with Service NSW, you'll be refunded the value of the voucher(s) directly to your bank account. Any questions, please contact Sue. 

      Find out more https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/active-and-creative-kids-voucher

      PAST WORKSHOPS:  Randwick Council - Marine Coastal Program &  La Perouse Museum, Randwick City Council, Port Augusta Secondary School 

      PRIVATE & GROUP BOOKINGS 

      Contact me to find out how to have me guide your children, families or group of adults through Observational Illustration, Marine Discovery and Creative Spark education.

      Private sessions: 4 - 20 pax 

      Some private and group sessions are available in Annandale and can also be booked at your venue. These workshops are perfect for:

      • Libraries, arts and community and family groups
      • Special needs and special interest groups including disability,  recovery and therapy groups
      • Schools - primary, secondary and education centres - marine studies, humanities, geography, and art.
      • Botanic gardens, Marine Discovery, museums, art gallery, nature and conservation centres
      • Professional CPD workshops, businesses and community team building and  celebrations,

      Please enquire about group and private workshops. 

      Conservation advocate and educator

      As an illustrator, artist and conservation advocate, I communicate my passion and ‘position’ by melding diving and study of animals with illustration, photography and the creation of products and communications campaigns.

      I want to help people connect to their interests, develop their own observation super powers, creativity and illustration style.  

      These innovative creativity workshops have been designed and delivered with absolute care and based on my own intense and intentional work to unblock myself and find a fulfilling and sustainable way to be creative and communicate.

      You'll receive quality guidance and creative inspiration that will help you connect with your own interests and hidden talents. 

      As writer and self-published author, I developed and delivered the Author Brand and Marketing workshop based on my journey to find my voice and tell meaningful stories. Even more important, was the creation and marketing of my book Accidental Aid Worker and delivery over 50 public talks and 20 workshops  in community spaces, libraries, businesses and in schools in NSW.

      Having experienced frustration and the depression that comes from being creatively blocked and uninspired to connect with anything, I pursued my blocked creativity with determination. My life did depend on it. At the end of September 2019, I discovered I could draw by ‘accident’ and through sheer focus and dedication, have launched a new career as an artist, conservation advocate and educator - read more here.

      In a few short years, my work as an artist includes marine-focused solo exhibitions, drawing live at markets and public spaces including the Botanic Gardens Sydney, collaborations and  community events, and products in retail stores. Read more here.

      Certifications and checks.

      • NSW Working with Children Check
      • South Australia Working with Children Check
      • First Aid Certificate 
      • Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance

      Contact me for interviews and bookings for author talks, and workshops at libraries, primary and secondary schools, community and business groups. 

      Testimonials

      “Good to hear about Sue’s love of diving and how it fed into drawing. I’m just starting. It’s great to have art explained so it is accessible” – Marianne
      “Loved learning about the Blue Groper. Went so quickly. Was a lot of fun.” – Lisa, Andrew and Kate
      “It was really fun, I love this! It is way better than school. 1-2 hours is good for kids because children can get restless. Saturday afternoon is a nice time because Sunday is a day to relax! I loved this so much. It’s AMAZING” – Eleanore M – 9yrs

      This was a lovely way to spend time with the kids during the school holidays. It's unusual to find activities that we can do together and all enjoy. Sue was wonderful and the kids love the sea animals. I would highly recommend.
      This was perfect for kids and adults." - Brigid