Rewilding the Artist:
a field guide

rewild

[riːˈwʌɪld] verb

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return something, usually land, back to its original wild state, where it becomes a balanced ecosystem working in harmony with everything around it.

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Rewilding is the perfect analogy for what this book will help you to achieve as a freelance artist.

Freelance artists are generally not thriving. We have second jobs, undertake many hours of unpaid work and live in a precarious situation financially. Disabled and/or neurodivergent artists have the additional challenge of often needing to advocate for themselves to request a level playing field.

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In this hands-on field guide, artist Gaia Redgrave shares her Rewilding Journey as a neurodivergent, disabled person. Through engaging written and visual prompts, we see how Rewilding ourselves is empowering, enabling, and the way forward for a sustainable way of life, reminding us that it is possible to return to ourselves in this often unsettled world.​​​

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Rewilding the Artist a field guide is loosely structured in a logical route of metaphorical locations. It invites you to embark on an adventure of self-discovery through which you can journey alone, become part of a Rewilding Tribe or invite a Creative Companion to walk alongside you as you progress.

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Each chapter or location is a focused aspect of the adventure that Gaia took to Rewild her arts practice. At the beginning of each location, you will find a triad (a statement containing three elements) giving an indication of the content of the section. Each location includes an explanation of the location theme, questions to consider (ponderances) and a space for your own Field Notes where you can map your thoughts and document ideas. You will also find two rest points.

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It is intended that you treat your field guide like a journal so that it embraces your drawings, gathered words, maps, ideas and daydreams. You may also wish to add pockets and fold out pages as your journey expands beyond the Wild Edges of the book. Over time your field guide will become a well-loved friend with patination from cherished time together and treasured dog ears.

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Number of pages: 208

Format: Paperback

Dimensions: 210x148x20mm

Language: English

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Gaia recommends Rewilding the Artist: a field guide for artists and creatives that wish to explore access and authenticity within their practice, especially those that are disabled or neurodivergent.