Workshops-Education


War and Gardens, Garden Museum and Age UK Bromley and Greenich Images kind permission of the Garden Museum and johonephotography

The overlooked details found on a daily walk or memories of a favourite place combined with the use of found materials can be a rich resource for inspiration. As is reflected in her work and publications, Cas seeks beauty and meaning from the everyday connections we make with the urban and natural landscape.

Due to a change in family circumstances I have made adaptations to how I work. I am taking bookings for on-line workshops and talks with organisations and groups and undertaking some teaching ‘in-person’ when I can.

For further information or to discuss your ideas for a project or workshop please contact me.

Current courses, workshops and projects can be found on my website link

We have all being developing new skills with technology to engage with creative learning through virtual means. Over the last few years I have discovered:

I am able to set up my small space for a few bespoke live interactive learning for workshops, using all kinds 'Heath Robinson' props as and when needed.
I have adapted and take on different roles from sharing in hosted discussion groups for exhibitions and events, to managing projects and mentoring students on courses remotely.
I can shoot my own short and edit videos with limited equipment to working with professional teams when filming for my course 'Making Connections' with Fibre Arts Takes Two

Preparation for Textile Artist Stitch Club

Comments from students on recent courses:

'Each session is a challenge and an inspiration. Your encouragement to each of us to look for our own direction with your support is more than I expected - you are indeed a very generous teacher.' Eileen, Kent Adult Education".

Cas has reawakened my zest for the small beauty around me in my artist in residence project. “. She listens with roots, She remembers in branches. She speaks in stillness. And we forget -until we walk among trees again Sue, Fibre Arts Takes Two

'The quality of the tutor was second to none, a relaxed atmosphere with like-minded participants - it was wonderful all round". Katie, West Dean College

The entire workshop experience was packed with artists of lively talent and heart. In fierce heat, these 15 women filled 36 hours with intense focus and concentration. Led by a mightily energy of about 5'5" who really knows her stuff! Cas Holmes is a masterful artist and teacher. Those of us able to attend felt honoured and privileged to be with her. We took away many new skills and I left feeling brave as an artist for the first time in 15 years, (I haven't been able to call myself an artist for that long either).

From the Land Jessica (San Diego Book Artist)

Some images of Tea Flora Tales donated by San Diego books arts in workshop.

We explored the unique world of the lost and found creating simple books to explore our projects alongside paper/textile layering, pasting techniques. Drawing our narratives from the overlooked and imperfect akin to Wabi Sabi (Art of Imperfection) working sometimes collaboratively, at others individually we tore, cut, reconstructed and stitched our ways to new collages and objects. It helped me to open my eyes to the world around me (Personal Journals course, West Dean)

It has been a little over a week since my return from West Dean and the experience has been much in mind. I gained more than I think I could ever say from being on the course with Cas Holmes. It was great to spend time in the beautiful location, not only did it enrich my own practice, but so generative in regard to the work that I do in mental healthcare settings and the community. (Extract from student letter, attended Tracing Shadows course at West Dean)

Here is a link to feedback from a students perspective on a recent workshop at Eaubrink studios by Marion on Artmixter blog. (image of her work in progress below)

Below-a selection of images from my workshops. Many thanks to the students who gave me kind permission to use the images of their work in progress.

Marks on Cloth, a drop-in community workshop on board LV21.

What did I learn?? Hmmm, it is really hard to describe.... I learned to be less precious and to dive into the work. Not to worry so much, each layer can be changed, altered, built up, stripped back and added to......I had a very enjoyable day and learned so much.

Images and Narratives, folding books Milton Keynes Arts Centre,