Workshop with Sheniz Janmohamed

In this reflective workshop, participants will be led into the garden to take in the colours, sounds, scents and textures of their surroundings. Drawing upon their senses and reflecting on their own creative journeys, they will collect natural materials to create their own “inner garden” mandalas. After creating their individual mandalas, they will be encouraged to create pathways of connection between each other’s mandalas—creating an intricate garden within the garden.

What is a mandala?

A mandala translates as 'circle' from Sanskrit. The mandala is often used a symbolic tool for ritualistic practices in Buddhist and Vedic traditions. Nature mandalas are created by sourcing found materials in nature and allowing patterns to develop through the act of making, rather than planning. Mandalas are destroyed/taken apart after being created, as a reminder of the impermanence of all things.

Workshop Leader

Sheniz Janmohamed was born and raised in Toronto with ancestral ties to Kenya and India. A poet, nature artist and arts educator, she regularly visits schools and community organizations to teach and perform. Her nature art has been featured across Turtle Island, including the National Arts Centre and the Art Gallery of Mississauga. She has three collections of poetry, published by Mawenzi House: Bleeding Light (2010), Firesmoke (2014) and Reminders on the Path (2021).
Earlier this year, Sheniz served as the Writer-in-Residence at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (Winter/Spring 2022).

Tickets: $25 (Bring a pen and notebook and a phone/camera to take photos)

Stay all day - September 19th Bundled Event (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)

Register for all three Canning Factory events listed below and receive a free boxed picnic lunch from Lass & Ladle Café.

• Root, Leaf, Flower and Fruit: Free yourself - Artistic Resistance to Creative Resilience
• Ephemeral Art - Panel Discussion & Lunch
• Inner Garden - Nature Mandalas

Non-accessible washroom; wheelchairs accommodated (temporary ramp - confirm with venue)