Tea ceremony ink and clay

Inspired by tea ceremonies of Japan, enjoyed by the Welsh tea drinkers of Britain. Tea is a moment of reflection, connection and a general soul warming exchange and a quenching of thirst. 

This activity is designed to build trust by starting with a familiar ritual, the sharing of tea and biscuits if you fancy. 

Once the tea is poured, milked and sugared, discussions of tea, ceremony, the flowers in the centre of the table, the shapes, the colours, smells and textures can take place. 

The paper and ink is readily set up around the table.

Ink drawing and mark making are one of the easiest and fluid ways of making work. By using one colour per drawing and asking the participant to pick out shapes, lines and gestures of the flowers and vase centre table and fill their paper however they see fit. They may want to focus on it as a still life and draw literally what they see, they could make a pattern or focus in on one section. This allows for a more dance like action. Swooping lines or just dotting the leaves, petals and stems. 

Pauses for thoughts and sipping of tea we can reflect on the works, as a group you can take inspiration from other drawings around the room and find time to giggle, praise and keep the activity light hearted. This exercise is open to ritual and to those less keen on the drawing element or maybe not as able as other participants, self drying clay can be used. With this the participant could mould flowers, drinking vessels or tea cups.

Materials Required:

• A bunch of flowers in a vase
• cartridge paper
• ink
• soft paint brushes with pointed nib
• self drying clay
• tea pot, tea cups and saucers. Biscuits if desired.

Step by Step Guide:

1. set up a table with teapot, flowers central and art materials near to each participant
2. pour tea and openly talk about this, the flowers, or whatever comes to mind
3. begin to capture the centre piece, or objects on the table with ink on paper or with clay provided. 
4. Allow for fluid movements and mark making. These drawings can go from still life to abstract and pattern.
5. pause and reflect, share drawings and thoughts.
6. continue on, help self to second cup of tea 
7. allow each participant to finish drawing modelling at their own pace. Smiles and share

Ideas for Further Activities With This Idea:

The art of flower arranging could also be explored. 

I can imagine this been adapted to a tea and scone garden event. On a summer’s day sitting outside and drawing from the garden. Maybe include a scone with jam and cream.

Also, the subject matter can change. Many things can become still life and be placed at the centre of the table. Also drawing patterns along to music, images off the tv or other such actions could take place.

Adaptability

Ways to adapt for less able residents:

You could do some flower arranging allowing less able resident to pick a display.

As mentioned in description, self-drying clay proved a good option. Also taking a flower from the vase and physically holding and looking at, just chatting about receiving flowers, growing flowers. 

For some residents just sitting and having the interaction with the tea and watching can also be good. The idea of feeling part of the activity by simply being involved and having a cuppa and a chat.

Ways to adapt from group to individual and vice versa: 

The same process for group and one to one.