Thread & Thought
Thread & Thought is a monthly, hour-long creative session online where we follow a thread and deepen a thought.
Each month, I host online creative sessions through my Substack, bringing together writers, artists, and anyone curious about building a regular creative practice. These sessions are gentle, welcoming spaces for exploration, inspiration, and community.
The sessions are open to everyone, whether you are an experienced writer or simply looking for a way to nurture your creative side.
I run Thread & Thought as part of my practice as a writer and art historian, so if you’re looking to make creativity a more regular part of your life, this is a beautiful place to begin for just £4.50 per month.
The sessions are designed to get us thinking differently and reconnect with our creativity. Less formal teaching, more space to experiment.
There is no prep required. There is no pressure to share. Just some reflective space and some gentle prompts.
What happens in a session:
A warm welcome and a warm-up exercise
Study an artwork based on the the theme based on a few quick prompts
Sit together and write (or sketch!)
There is the option to reflect or share, if it feels right
From recent attendees:
“I loved the session Joanna…I finished a piece of writing inspired by the idea of the body in flux and a new beginning”
“It was thoughtful and inspiring”.
I run Thread & Thought as part of my practice as a writer and art historian, so if you’re looking to make creativity a more regular part of your life, this is a beautiful place to begin.
We meet on the first Thursday of every month at 8pm UK Time.
The Zoom links go out to all paid subscribers the day before each session, along with a handful of short readings based on the monthly theme.
Why work with me?
Led by me, Dr. Joanna Wolfarth, an art historian with over 13 years of experience, this workshop series blends my academic expertise with personal insight. I have taught art history at the University of Leeds and SOAS, University of London. I currently teach global art history at The Open University and Fulbright University Vietnam.
I have written extensively on the intersection of art and motherhood. My work has been featured in The Observer and reviewed favourably in The Sunday Times.
‘as a cultural historian Wolfarth is excellent at detailing how motherhood changes her perspective of art . . .’ Francesca Angelini ― THE SUNDAY TIMES
Picturing Mother: Maternity Through the Ages
Are you interested in art, history, or exploring the evolving concepts of motherhood? Join this unique lecture/workshop series that explores representations of (m)otherhood and maternity through visual art, spanning from ancient times to contemporary works.
Duration: 4 weeks, online
Dates: TBC, please subscribe to my Substack to receive updates when this course will next run.
From ancient depictions of fertility goddesses to modern portrayals of the mother-child bond, we will journey through history to explore how ideas, attitudes, and representations of motherhood have transformed across cultures and eras.
This workshop series is ideal for anyone interested in art history, cultural studies, or personal exploration of motherhood’s multifaceted nature. It is suitable for all levels.
Workshop Description
Through a blend of historical context, visual examples, and personal reflection, we will examine the diverse ways in which motherhood has been portrayed and perceived. We will analyse iconic artworks, uncover some of the societal and cultural forces that shaped these representations, and gain insights into the changing roles and expectations of mothers/ carers throughout history.
In addition, we reflect on our own relationships to the concept of 'the mother'—whether as a figure in our life, a role we inhabit, or a cultural idea that resonates with you.
Course outline:
A one-hour class each week from 8-9pm UK on a Thursday evening. Each session combines lectures, discussions, and creative exercises.
Recommended Readings: Materials related to each week’s theme are provided.
Creative Prompts: Tools to inspire and guide your reflections outside of the classes.
Community Access: Engage with participants and me through a private discussion platform and chat.
Classes will be delivered via Zoom. You will have access to a dedicated space on Canvas, where you will be able to access course materials and ask any questions, as well as a discussion forum where you can share ideas, feedback and discussion with the other members of your cohort and the tutor.
Classes are recorded and the recordings will be made available to you after each session. You will have access to all course materials for 12 months, should you need to revisit certain aspects of the course.
Course delivery is wholly online. I welcome participants from anywhere in the world, but please note that classes take place in the evenings UK time.
Testimonials
I ran this course last autumn and it was amazing! Here is some of the feedback from the first cohort of attendees:
'This course was such a valuable introduction to depictions of motherhood, as Joanna expertly guided us through a whistle-stop tour of how the work of mothers has been represented.
A brilliant combination of formal observation and emotional connection, the ways in which Joanna steered us into thinking about artworks as portals into other's experiences while reconsidering our own, was a brilliant way to spend an evening. The sessions flew by.'
'I learned so much and felt very inspired. I particularly enjoyed bringing in political/social context, and linking older works to newer works and understanding how they relate.'
' a thought-provoking series of discussions and artworks. I loved being prompted to think more deeply about what artworks are trying to say, and how we receive them'.