Learning from Plants

A workshop with Monique Besten
https://moniquebesten.nl

Learning from Plants is an immersive workshop that invites participants to slow down, observe closely, and reconnect with the more-than-human world through walking, gathering, making, and shared experimentation. Together we will explore the Inwole area, spend time with wild plants and flowers, carefully collect natural materials, create plant-based inks, make seedbombs, taste edible wild plants in teas and snacks, and develop artworks inspired by our encounters along the way.

The workshop combines artistic practice, ecological awareness, and playful learning. Participants will leave not only with artworks, recipes, inks, seedbombs, and handmade materials, but also with new ways of seeing the plants that surround them every day. No previous experience is needed — only curiosity, openness, and a willingness to experiment and play.

What to bring

• Small containers or jars (for seedbombs, ink samples, snacks, etc.)
• A basket or bag for collecting materials
• Small knife or scissors
• Your own lunch (unless communicated otherwise)
• Comfortable clothing suitable for walking outdoors and the weather

What you will take home

• Your own artwork
• Plant-based inks and handmade materials
• Seedbombs
• Recipes and ideas for working creatively with plants
• New perspectives on the natural world around you

Practical information

• Time: 10:00–14:00
• Maximum participants: 8–10 people
• Age: 15+ (younger children are welcome if accompanied by a parent or carer)
• Experience: none needed
• Language: English and some German
• Pace: gentle and accessible, with some slow walking involved
  If you have mobility concerns but would still like to participate, please get in touch and we will see what is possible.

Schedule

• 10:00: Welcome with tea from local plants and herbs & introduction

• 10:15: Guided walk & careful collecting

• 11:00: Hanging out with plants

• 11:40: Creative making session

• 12:20: Preparing & sharing lunch

• 13:10: Making seedbombs
• 13:30: Sharing, recipes, questions & closing conversation

• 14:00: End

About the artist

Monique Besten is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and educator working site-specifically, inspired by places, their histories, customs, and both human and non-human inhabitants. Her practice often involves natural materials such as seeds, plants, and biomaterials, alongside slow processes like walking, collecting, and embroidery. One of the central questions in her work is how we can build meaningful relationships with the natural world.

Monique is an artist participating in the "Tiny Spaces Deep Connections" project, an artist-in-residence program in tiny spaces and on trains across Europe.

She will be at Inwole for the month of June: www.tinyspaces.eu