Community Art Workshops, Education and Development.
with
Sculptor Rafael Berrio.

Faces of Nature

Faces of Nature is an ecological and educational community arts workshop project for all ages and abilities which promotes the use of of visual language to illustrate the aesthetic and ethical values embodied by the natural environment.

I make work from natural found objects, specifically reclaimed timber and driftwood resourced from the sea. Each piece of wood is unique, worked on by natural forces and formed by the environment.

I cajole and manipulate the material to reveal the inner hidden forms that appear to me within the wood. I feel it as a working partnership with the materials, rather than imposing a preconceived idea on to the material.

I use Latin American and African motifs and symbols that reference the connection between man and nature, exploring the religious and folkloric and cultural aspects they have.

I also address the social and ecological issues to promote environmental awareness using my work to communicate and educate.

I am based near Brighton, in Sussex, England.

 

“Rafael inspired and motivated all of us who had contact with him and he definately gave us more confidence in our practical skills and enabled our creative sides to be developed and stimulated.
I would thoroughly recommend him for any projects in the future.”
Andy Dodd. XL Advisor.


An experimental, educational and environmental community art project.

 My aim for social inclusion involves working with people with disabilities, mental health issues, social deprivation and those who have had less opportunities to develop to their potential and become an active part of society.

I want to develop art to provide support and encourage people to enhance their creative sides, fulfil their potential and raise their self esteem. I believe that vocational skills and art have the power to transform and provide opportunites for people to participate in their communites.

I can provide a huge range of practical skills depending on what is required. For example it could be carving of wood or chalk, general wood work, stone work, ceramic tiling and mosaics, working with clay, murals, plastering etc that can break down traditional boundaries and cater for an alternative education.

“Throughout this project I have seen the students take responsibility, work as a team and take pride in themselves and their work” Rob Keddie. Varndean School. Brighton, Sussex.


With my enthusiasm I want the educational system, young and old people, the cultural and the creative sectors to work together for the common good and provide a link with the hands and mind to be creative.
I believe in human ecology and the 'rescue' of people who have not had the input to be stimulated.
My vision is to link vocational skills with art because these are 'healers' and i know that this can enable people to have more confidence in themselves to produce and create.


Rafael Berrio
Brighton


You can make contact by email;
magraf@zoom.co.uk

or by phone;
01273 300943
07835 240466

design by arka