Earthly Trinkets: Herbal Amulet Making

Earthly Trinkets: Herbal Amulet Making 

Join us at for a  journey into ancient Chinese philosophy, indigenous plant wisdom, and symbolic craft-making. 

2:20 -3 pm – Explore the garden and ‘Yao: A Herbal Archive’ trail to admire Chinese Medicine plant stories from the garden 
3-4:30 pm – Amulet Making workshop in the classroom 

In this workshop  you will be introduced to the Five Elements (Wu Xing), including Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Within Chinese philosophy, all elements exist within us, but one rises to the surface as our dominant nature. It is said to be something we are born with, bringing us both associated strengths and challenges. Together, we will explore how these elements are used in Chinese herbal medicine to understand balance within the body, and how they appear in Chinese astrology as a way of describing individual constitution and character. 
 
Drawing on this understanding, you will then have a chance to create your own herbal amulet. In traditional herbal practices, plant tastes and qualities are closely linked to the Five Elements. You will be guided to select from a variety of dried plant materials to create an amulet that will balance and complement your inner element. 
 
This workshop combines learning and making, giving space to learn something new and also engage with your hands. You will leave with your own personal handmade herbal amulet, and perhaps a different way of noticing yourself in relation to the world. 
 
Bios:  
Jingying Tan is an interactive arts designer with a background in interaction design, physical computing, and experiential storytelling, creating projects that blend technology, culture, and narrative. 
  
Flora Lu is a wel-established artist and printmaker with the background from illustration and visual media, working across design, fine painting and drawing based on the storytelling narratives.

Please note:
 
For any queries regarding your advance booking, contact us by visiting the Customer Service area.