Draw without thinking in our ‘art automatism’ workshop at the ORTUS Centre in Denmark Hill, lead by JanArdenArtist.

‘Art automatism’ refers to creating art without conscious thought, accessing material from the unconscious mind as part of the creative process.

JanArdenArtist uses art automatism in his own artistic practice. He creates what he sees on the paper after moving the Biro in dance-like movements, eyes closed and reaching into the subconscious for inspiration and guidance. He likes to combine Celtic knot-work with African faces and south American Shamanistic Aztec priests, people, animals, symbols, and shapes. 

Participants will be invited to draw without thinking, using pens and pencils.

About ORTUS

The ORTUS Centre is owned and operated by Maudsley Charity for the benefit of the community. Maudsley Charity is a principal funder of Bethlem Gallery which curates exhibitions at ORTUS.

About Bethlem Gallery workshops

Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Concessions are available for SLaM service users, people over 60, students, people receiving ESA, people registered disabled and their carers. We take photos at our workshops to use on social media – please speak to the facilitator if you do not want to appear in any photos.

If you are unable to attend the workshop, please contact us to cancel your place. We often have a waiting list.