Forest bathing and haiku bring a unique creative twist to the Daintree
CREATIVE CONNECTION
Douglas Arts Base (DAB) is encouraging locals to slow down, connect with nature and explore their creative side through its upcoming Haiku Art Quest Workshop on Sunday, 18 October.
The unique experience combines a gentle stroll through the Daintree Rainforest with the art of haiku poetry.
The traditional Japanese form of poetry that captures moments and observations in just a few lines, encouraging participants to slow down, observe their surroundings and express those experiences creatively.
Running from 9.45 am to 2.00 pm, the workshop led by haiku expert Dr Helen Ramoutsaki and DAB artist Sue Berthelsen will guide participants in collecting ideas, words, phrases and sketches inspired by the rainforest.
Attendees will then have the opportunity to craft short haiku-style poems and decorate or illustrate their work.
Dr Ramoutsaki brings over 20 years of poetry, performance, and academic experience to the Haiku Art Quest, combining her James Cook University PhD with a lifelong practice that guides flexible artistic exploration.
She describes haiku as “a snapshot of a direct experience of the natural world.”
The Daintree was chosen as the workshop setting for its rich biodiversity, offering endless inspiration for creative observation.
While traditional Japanese haiku cannot be directly replicated in English, Dr Ramoutsaki noted that the style remains a powerful tool for capturing fleeting observations and emotions through just a few carefully chosen words.
“I have written haiku-style poems in English for years, enjoying the way they can capture an impression of a moment in time,” she said.
Co-facilitator Sue Berthelsen brings experience in painting, sculpture and fused glass art, and currently tutors glass fusing and slumping at DAB.
“My interests in writing haiku started many years ago when I started using the haiku form to try and express the intention and emotion behind my artwork,” Ms Berthelsen said.
Ms Berthelsen believes the structured form of haiku helps capture the essence of a moment, allowing writers to “zoom into the essence” of everyday observations and experiences.
Exploring Forest Bathing
The workshop also incorporates elements of forest bathing, a practice that encourages people to slow down and immerse themselves in nature through mindful observation.
“Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a relatively recent term for the practice of mindfully opening ourselves to our sense-impressions in forest environments,” Dr Ramoutsaki said. “I think it’s a great way to describe the feeling of soaking up what is around you in the forest”
“Writing haiku-style poetry involves the same practice of close, unhurried observation while immersed in a natural environment.”
Participants will complete sensory activities without any pressure to produce a finished poem.
“We will all be learning together, bringing our existing skills and life experiences to share,” Dr Ramoutsaki said.
“Part of it is being open to what emerges, when you walk in the forest, you never know what new perspectives you will bring back.”
One example of Dr Ramoutsaki's approach to haiku can be found in her own garden - where a mobile haiku plaque marks fresh bandicoot diggings - a playful example of capturing small moments in nature.
She noted that shared creative experiences build both individual expression and community resilience across the Douglas Shire.
“Come along and give it a try,” she encouraged. “It’s a fun, inclusive space to try something new.”
Participation is open to DAB members (annual membership $30–$40 for non-members).
Enrol in person at DAB Studio Gallery (11 Mill St, Mossman), call (07) 4098 3337, email [email protected], or visit dabmossman.com.
