"Play at Heartland Quay Bay" Movement artist Michelle Wilkinson. Photo Pauline Dyer.

 Based in North Devon, Essential Nature is a way of connecting with the landscape through creative activity.

It enriches our lives - often opening the way for people to a continuing interest in the arts and environment. Many new friendships have been made on our events, as well as a deeper sense of place. 

Essential Nature was started by environmental artist Linda Gordon as a way of sharing an approach to art-making that is relaxed, flowing and intuitive. It can involve walking, workshops, short courses, small local exhibitions and other activities... or simply sitting quietly in nature, soaking up inspiration. 

It is about developing a deep connection with our surroundings, and expressing this in a wide variety of art forms - sketching, painting, photography, movement, performance, environmental sculpture, weaving, mixed media, music or journal-writing and poetry... Everybody has their own unique way of responding to our natural environment.    

Most of all, Essential Nature is about joie de vivre: the sheer pleasure of doing it!

Browse the menu for pictures of participants' work and event information. And if you are within reach of North Devon, please get in touch with any ideas we might pursue together!