Introduction of Greenfinch (Zöldike)
My english is far from perfect, please, negleckt that… 🙂
I am a Biologist (PhD) researcher in the field of bird ecology. Besides, I’m a craftswoman (felt maker), I use natural materials like wool, wood and willow to make our household items.
As a Biologist, I have been dealing with the effects of the current human civilization on Nature for more than 10 years.
I have always been committed to Nature and following the negative changes in Wildlfe, such as decreasing biodiversity, deteorated and fragmented habitats etc. Over time I have become more and more empowered to focus on action instead of sadness (which was my first reaction, of course).
Over the years I realized that in order to protect Nature (which was always my motivation), above all, I have to change… I have to change my lifestyle: my consumer and shopping habits, I have to rethink the meaning of NECESSITY and ENOUGH words, I have to override my habits and think carefully about social norms.
What is that I really want? What makes me happy? What are those other things that only the clever marketing of the consumer society forces on me? Are chasing money and piling up material goods meaningful life goals?
What is certain, that this system basing on greed and comfort leads to the extreme destruction and pollution of the Planet that we live on. And this system also has a huge, singnificant impact on our health. Both on our physical and mental health.
Because healthy life cannot exist on a polluted Planet.
Walking on this bumpy road, floundering through the forest of questions, I arrived at folk art. Because our ancestors didn’t know plastic, synthetic chemicals, inseticides, etc., yet they were able to create their household itmes and clothing, build their houses, grow their own food…From natural resources.
I think that certain elements of their approach, such as maximum respect and humility towards Nature, community cooperation and the science of working from natural materials should be fundamental importance to the people of today.
Over the years, I shaped Zöldike (Greenfinch) in such way that I can put my biological-ecological and handicraft knowledge to serve Nature.
This is my Mission.
This is where I am now.
Services
Here you find my current services, you can contact me via email.
Besides, if you have any ideas for cooperation, do not hesitate to contact me:
info@zoldike.com
Workshops from natural materials
Wool felting, willow weaving, carving from a tree branch… Activities for young and old, children and adults. On bigger/smaller events, for small creative communities, etc.
The main purpose of the workshops is to introduce the variety usage of natural materials and to focus on the related ecological issues.
My workshops are cathegorized into 3 groups:
1) Events
Small and large events that mostly last one/few hour(s). Here, children and adults of various ages and abilities can enjoy making crafts. On these occasions, we make simple objects. The main aims are to get to know natural and recyclable materials and to awaken the curiosity.
The participants feel the success in 5-20 minutes, thus, these worksops are ideal for the bigger events, such as markets, green programs, etc.
However, because of the potentially high number of participants, there is often limited time to dive into the ecological aspects (which I find very important). But! I usually start these courses with my personal journey which can (hopefully) induce conversations and questions during the workshop. 🙂
2) Short workshops
These worksfops are for small groups (5-15 participants) and last a couple of hours.
On these occasions, due to the small number of participants, we can deal with more complicated techniques, so the purpose of this worksops is to discover the functional variety of natural materials.
Furthermore, there is more time to get to know each other, chitchat, share our interest, knowledge…To create a small, creative community! Most of the researchers agree with that these kind of communities are going to be very important in the future.
On these workshops, there is more time to talk about the ecological impacts of our civilization on humans and wildlife. And, of course, what we can do personally.
3) Long workshops
Long workshops are for those small groups that are already interested in handicrafts and have some experience in it. On these occasions which can last 1-2 days, we can make more detailed objects, and even mix the folk craft techniqes.
The purpose of this workshop is to deepen our knowledge and to master planning and execution.
Similar to the short workshops, there is more time to get to know each other, chitchat, share our interest, knowledge…
To create a small, creative community! Most of the researchers agree with that these kind of communities are going to be extremely important in the future. Furthermore, on these workshops, there is more time to talk about the ecological impacts of our civilization on humans and wildlife humans. And, of course, what we can do personally.