Noel Ashton - Mindful Nature
For ourselves, for each other, and for the planet
From the remote landscapes of southern Africa and the sacred caves of the San, into the oceans with the magnificent whales and then the infinity of the stars - to the wild edges of the English countryside, Noel brings his unique background as an artist, scientist, environmental thinker and storyteller to his programmes.
Sculptor Creative Innovator Author Speaker Environmental Scientist Storyteller
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A Life of Creativity with Purpose
“Noel Ashton has the seeking mind of a scientist and the creative soul of an artist, and he brings these two facets together in a stunning offering for our modern world.​
By engaging both his scientific mind and the vehicles of language and art, he creates, and facilitates for others, the process of a transformative creative journey. Through the centre of Noel's life and work runs the emancipating theme of creativity with purpose, offering us opportunities to engage, encounter different perspectives, to reflect, and ultimately redefine our relationship to ourselves, to each other and to the natural world.”
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ELIZABETH CAIRNS
The Empowered Entrepreneur
“Your journey was fascinating, your artworks stunning and your talk powerful. What I love about you is you don't preach, you just talk from the heart.”
MICHAELA STRACHAN
A new series from
The Journal of Mindful Nature
There is a pathway into nature that takes us back to a place of restful silence, where butterflies and birdsong draw our attention to the gentle beauty of the moment.
And if we slowly walk this world awake, we will begin to remember a deeper sense of belonging within the wider living world, and an inner calm as we return home to a place we know well.
So the dance of a butterfly or beautiful birdsong can become more than an experience, they are a healing tonic for each of us in a restless world, and a journey towards seeking a quieter, gentler and more mindful way of being.
For all of his life, Noel has been drawn to The Wild Edge - at first out of curiosity, adventure and in search of the unknown, but now it forms a crucial aspect of his environmental storytelling and engaging with global audiences. It is a journey where the creative heart of the artist, the enquiring mind of the scientist and the lyrical phrases of the storyteller come together in search of a deep and profound connection to the earth.
And now he has created Notes from The Wild Edge, an online space for you, and a way to share in this creative journey. Each week Noel carefully selects an artwork and sends it via email to his community of subscribers, usually accompanied by a story, insight or reflection. So now you can also join this unique ongoing journey of celebration, discovery, and a deeper remembering of what it means to live in a meaningful dialogue with the natural world.
An unfolding exploration of nature, one artwork at a time.
No hastle, just quietly from my studio to your inbox, each week, for you.
But how can we remember
in a world that has forgotten so much?
The storytellers of Africa speak,
not that we will listen,
but that we will remember.
Noel Ashton - 2016
ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
Creativity with Purpose in Action
Shaping thoughts, Creating journeys, Enabling change.
'My life should not be measured by the distance I have walked, but rather by the questions I have asked along the way. For they have given direction to my journey and offered meaning and purpose to my life.'
​This is the foundation that has made Noel Ashton’s voice so compelling, as it is from seeking answers and a better understanding of many of the social and environmental issues of our time that his programmes and creative initiatives evolved.
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This approach of thoughtful and heartfelt engagement has given form to many inspired initiatives, working with dynamic partners and organisations.
A selection of Noel's wildlife and cetacean initiatives through the years -
Sacred Ocean
Sculpture and Campaign launched with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
Mapungubwe Revisited
Launched in partnership with WWF-SA in support of their rhino conservation work.
The Whale Walk
Along with the well-known Whale Show, launched in partnership with IFAW-SA
In the Field
Excursions, field courses, film + television roles and consulting, including for Warner Bros and ARD TV​
Lectures, Courses, Talks
A range of public offerings, from training workshops, public talks, and courses. Noel is represented on the South African speaker's circuit.
Windows on the Oceans
Launched by Jonathan Oppenheimer, in partnership with The De Beers Group, Two Oceans Aquarium and IFAW
I have always admired (the Ashton's) passion for whales and dolphins, and their remarkable efforts to drum up urgently needed support for conservation efforts to look after them.
I have been an Audio Visual producer for 20 years and have been involved in many presentations and Noel’s presentation on whales had me riveted from start to finish.
A unique perspective of the extraordinary natural world around us, and inviting us to pause and share the experiences in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition.
MARK CARWARDINE
MIKE HEDDERMAN
AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC
