history

As a writer and dancer, the ecoliteracy course with Cathy Fitzgerald was invaluable for my practice. Especially the modules covering arts and community engagement and maintaining hope and resilience when faced with adversity. Many thanks to the Kilkenny Arts office for the bursary which enabled me to participate in the… Read more “Róisín Sheehy, writer, poet, dancer: Kilkenny”

I live in the north of Ireland and am hoping in the next years to develop a permanent native woodland and wooded pathway for everyone in the town. This will be a collaboration strengthened by working with others around a shared vision. “We will never bring forth what we haven’t dared to dream or learnt to imagine” – Joanna Macy… Read more “Joanne McCrum: visual artist, activist, Northern Ireland”

As an artist and educator, I wanted to sign up for Cathy’s Ecoliteracy course to support my teaching and learning within an educational context, and to support my own practice and research. The content is rich and vast and I could not have imagined the extent of Cathy’s commitment to building such a holistic and rigorous course. It was really… Read more “Catriona Leahy: artist – educator, Kildare- Dublin, Ireland”

“I was drawn to this course without really knowing much of what it would cover, and all I can say is that I am so grateful I jumped in. It marks a pivotal point in my understanding of my work and empowered me to value my role as a musician and writer in the world today. If you’re an artist… Read more “Laura O’Neill: Singer-SongWriter, Co. Kilkenny”

The Haumea Ecoversity Ecoliteracy course in early 2023 was a great way to begin the year. It really expanded my thinking about the climate emergency and my response to it. Lots of new vocabulary and perspectives. And the chance to do this in a group setting was wonderful. I look forward to engaging with the community that Cathy and Nikos… Read more “Anna Browne: flower farmer, sustainability educator, West Meath Ireland”

The state of the planet is a challenging and confronting area where I can often feel overwhelmed. With the Haumea Ecoversity Ecoliteracy course, Cathy and Nikos provided a balance of information, care and inspiration to those who are finding ways to move their work into this area. The breadth of the course was truly stimulating; science, philosophy, art and spirituality… Read more “Mary Webster, educator and maker, compassion curricula, Netherlands”

I feel better equipped to communicate the essence of my work now.  The Haumea Ecoversity Ecoliteracy course content underpins the creative self-care, and earth-care work I have been doing for a long time. Up to now, it’s been hard to find words for something I just know in my heart. … Read more “Derval Dunford, Breathwork, MBSR & ecoartist, Co. Mayo”

I have a feeling the Haumea Ecoliteracy course is going to linger and have a true longtime effect on me. It was both nourishing and also healing medicine for my mind and emotions in these confusing times. I can’t really pick out one thing about the course because it held together many elements in such a special way. Maybe it… Read more “Rønnaug Paulsen Stokke, artist-educator, dancer Oslo, Norway”

I am an earth artist in my role as gardener, a performer who moves with the land story, an artist who walks and wanders and a passionate believer in the weft of words. I believe that growing anything is an art, each seedling we tend to, each space we make on the forest floor to allow more light in for… Read more “Carmel Ennis: Masters Social Policy, currently a postgraduate student in EcoArts at Crawford Art College, Dublin”

Participating in the Haumea Essential Ecoliteracy course was akin to being in a thriving ecosystem filled with layers of abundance. Great attention to detail, wide-ranging and varied lessons and resources. This has been a wonderful, supportive journey. I have gained fresh insights for ways to articulate my work and processes and have a sense of lineage and foundation within these… Read more “Éidín Griffin: regenerative designer, gardener, heirloom seed saver, illustrator, Kinsale, Ireland”

Participating in the Haumea Essential Ecoliteracy course has been such an enriching experience.  It opened the door to a whole new area of learning for me which impacts my work as a musician and teacher.  Engaging with the course has also brought a deeper appreciation of the non-human world to my daily life – a real gift in these challenging… Read more “Jessica Kerr: cellist, musician and teacher, Glasgow, Scotland”

The Haumea Ecoversity Ecoliteracy course is a must for anyone serious about understanding the depth and potential for their work in the context of the arts, humanity, and the planet. Cathy and Nikos bring their full hearts to the work and provide a supportive learning experience, rich with experience and wisdom.  I really enjoyed the community of artists and am… Read more “Regan Stacey, artist, environmentalist , Connecticut, USA”

Over the past year I was attending pilot programs of The Haumea Ecoversity on Ecoliteracy, Creativity as an Act of Love and their Earth Charter course. The material we studied was of great thinkers and scientists of the environmental movement, as well as the academic work of both Cathy Fitzgerald founder and teacher & philosopher Nikos Patedakis. They were phenomenal… Read more “Phoebe Cope – painter, Scotland/Ireland”

Cathy and Nikos – I am in awe of how you are so positive and impactfully moving the whole concept of ecoliteracy forward. I found your Essential Ecoliteracy course fantastic. It had a deep impact on my work as a visual artist. The resource materials provided are far superior to those of many heavily funded academic post-grad courses I have… Read more “Susie Kelly – multimedia installation artist, Laois, Ireland”

Do you feel a sense of overwhelm and powerlessness when it comes to what is happening in the world around us? Climate action, climate change, climate catastrophe? The desecration of our natural world around us has accelerated so much it can be difficult to wrap our heads around the enormity of these consequences. As a result, it can result in… Read more “Leona Cronin, MSc Humanistic Psychotherapy MSc Mental Health & Addiction Studies Nature Therapist & Forest School Leader”

I would like to thank Cathy and Nikos for generously sharing their knowledge and experiences on the Haumea Ecoliteracy course April 2021. For me,  the course has enlightened and enriched a great foundation in embracing ecosocial values, philosophical, scientific, cultural and art practices towards ecological emergence. The course has  broadened my perspective of creative practice and philosophy to communicate a set… Read more “Aiseling Noone: visual artist, researcher Co. Wexford, Ireland”

My experience of the two courses with Cathy Fitzgerald and Nikos Patedakis is one of the most enriching of my life. I attended the Ecoliteracy for Arts Professionals and The Earth Charter courses this year (2021). The Haumea Ecoliteracy course first gave me a rich foundation in philosophical, scientific and cultural/arts practices, ideas and values. The Haumea Earth Charter course… Read more “Paola Catizone: Visual/Performance Artist and Arts facilitator at IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art). Creator of Breaking Cover, Art and Ecology Encounters Programme at IMMA”

As a teacher in the New Zealand vocational science education sector I have for some time been wanting to find a way of encouraging learners to explore the wider environmental impacts of their chosen fields. I first heard of the Earth Charter through a conversation with Cathy and thought it might be provide a useful lens through which students could… Read more “Dr Rhys Jones, PhD (Paris XI, Otago) Senior Lecturer, Centre for Applied Science and Primary Industries WINTEC (Te Pukenga), Hamilton Aotearoa New Zealand”

I would like to thank Cathy for all her work on the Ecoliteracy and Earth Charter courses, for her generosity in sharing her knowledge and experiences, and for her energy and effort protecting the planet. It has been a truly transformational journey for… Read more “Estibaliz Errazquin, Project Coordinator / Facilitator, Ireland”

It is testament in itself that I take every opportunity to work with Cathy, Nikos and Haumea. Whilst I am not a ‘perpetual course attendee’, I have found a deep need to be present with what Haumea offer for learning. Having just completed the ‘Earth Charter Values’ course the richness and kind learning has served to offer me new forms… Read more “Tom Duffy: socially-engaged artist, art facilitator, visual and percussive artist, Ireland”

The Haumea Online Ecoliteracy course – I am new to studying ecology.  This course has given me a holistic insight into ecology and ecoliteracy.  My aim is to have confidence discussing ecology without myself or others feeling burdened or overwhelmed.  I hope to give nature/ecology walks in my local area from combining what I have learned so far.  I learnt… Read more “Mary Hoy, visual artist, gardener, Dublin”

I was first introduced to the Earth Charter during one of Cathy’s courses about Ecoliteracy, and immediately I wanted to learn more. Taking part in the Haumea Earth Charter course has helped me to understand the scope of the work of caring for our planet, and to begin to find a personal role I can take in the work. I… Read more “Judith Lardener: Non Violent Communication and Restorative Justice facilitator, Ireland”

I had an idea in my mind of what the Haumea Ecoliteracy course was going to be but from the first lesson my mind was expanded in ways that is truly inspirational. I am very grateful for Cathy and Niko’s generosity in sharing their wisdom and knowledge, I feel I have finished a Masters Degree. Thank… Read more “Deirdre Southey: visual artist, Wexford, Ireland”

I did not know exactly what I was looking for when I signed on to Cathy Fitzgerald’s ecoliteracy for the arts course. I was stalled in my own project, and felt that what I was missing might be found here. You don’t know what you don’t know, and the scope and depth of this course for me had profound effect… Read more “Catherine Barron: visual artist, creativity researcher, educator, Co. Waterford, Ireland”

Cathy and Nikos’ ecoliteracy course is unique as it combines a broad field of learning about the ecological emergency and the necessary shift towards ecological thinking, as well as covering various areas of ecosocial art practices, and learning compassion towards oneself and others. The weekly Zoom meetings proved to be an invaluable part of it. Cathy is warm, sensitive and… Read more “Dorothee Kolle: visual artist, Sligo, Ireland”

I am quite amazed at how much I loved the Haumea course. I didn’t believe that an online course could have such an impact on my life and art. I felt like I landed in ‘my tribe’…ecosocial artists engaging with creativity and climate action with compassion, kindness and commitment. I loved the weekly sessions and looked forward to going through… Read more “Lisa Fingleton: artist, filmmaker, grower, Co. Kerry, Ireland”

I found Cathy popping up in my arts practice research over several years and was so pleased to have the opportunity over Lockdown 2020 to undertake her online Haumea ecoliteracy course. Cathy’s knowledge, the Haumea course and the inspiring people it connected me with, sustained my thinking over this period. The structure of the course, the ensuing discussions, the shared… Read more “Gillian McFarland: visual artist and collaborator, glassblower, Scotland”

“The ‘Creativity as an Act of Love’ course with Nikos shares similar challenges, joy, intimacy and honesty to the Haumea Ecoliteracy course. It also helped me reframe my own philosophy, not only in facing the Ecologic and biodiversity challenges ahead but with deeper explorations into compassion, dangerous philosophies and a range of practical tools. Nikos’ depth of knowledge, patience and humour has… Read more “Tom Duffy: socially-engaged artist, art facilitator, visual and percussive artist, Ireland”

The course opened up my practice to the huge potentials that exist outside the confining definitions of art world art practices. It gave me language and understanding of how to define what work I’d like to do through my practice. It gave me a concise network of information that would have taken me years to amass myself. When I realised… Read more “Yvanna Greene: postgrad visual artist | researcher, Dublin”

This is a comprehensive learning course in ecoliteracy, well presented and supported and is learner-friendly for all levels. I found the course to be great value for money and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone wishing to learn more about ecoliteracy and the practical applications of the language and ideas covered in the course. The compassionate support of the… Read more “Denise Hogan: ecosocial artist, painter, educator, Co. Galway, Ireland”

It’s great to read about the impact Cathy Fitzgerald’s Haumea is having on people’s lives. Having watched her thinking and approach evolve over many years now, the comments above seem to me an entirely appropriate response to what is a valuable resource for all those concerned with developing a better understanding of the relationship between art and ecology. Knowing how… Read more “Dr Iain Biggs: creative practice educator | artist | researcher – doctoral supervisor Britain, Ireland”

Cathy’s 7-week Haumea Online course on ecoliteracy, in conjunction with Dr. Nikos Patedakis’ philosophical contribution, contained invaluable analysis tools and well as precious soul… Read more “Theresia Guschlbauer: festival curator, ecosocial choreographer, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland”

I urgently recommend the Haumea Essential Ecoliteracy course, seven weeks of delving into current thinking and practices are held together by Cathy’s gentle committed presence with Nikos Patedakis’ philosophical support. What is terrifying about the way the world is now, becomes manageable, as we discover there are ways through, and this course is one of… Read more “Julie Forrester – visual artist, Cork, Ireland”

This course has brought clarity and motivation to my artistic and anthropological practice. With scientific rigour, spiritual richness, creative sparkle and sensitivity it offers a deeper appreciation of the world and all we share it… Read more “Liz Hingley – socially engaged photographer, anthropologist, curator, Newcastle, UK”

As an artist with a concern about our communities and environment this course was invaluable in helping me communicate confidently about my work. The course offers a supportive environment to delve deeper into important compassionate ecological… Read more “Donna Hurt: visual and community engaged artist, photographer, Virginia, US”

I would like to thank you Cathy for the course. I think this kind of education, all you delivered–was so comprehensive and so good–I feel like I have been studying for two years! It is worth spreading and could be a part of a study program at a university 🙂 You inspired me to develop my activity as an ecosocial… Read more “Dagmara Pater:visual artist | post-grad. researcher Norway”

I found Cathy’s Haumea Online 6-week Essential Ecoliteracy course and mentoring inspiring on a number of levels. Educationally, I found Cathy to be a teacher who communicates with gentleness and conviction and the topics covered are varied and interesting with access to the work of many outstanding thinkers and artists. I learnt much and became a lot more ecoliterate (… Read more “Gillian Cussen: visual artist, Cork, Ireland”

I was one of Cathy’s supervisors for her PhD, and indeed I think I was the main impetus in helping her to decide on pursuing what is always a demanding project, not least when it takes the form of both theory and practice, as it did in her case. Cathy is committed to environmental ideals, and combines (unusually) a deep… Read more “Dr Paul O’Brien: visual culture philosopher, Dublin, Ireland”

I highly recommend Cathy’s 6-week Eco-Literacy course to anyone wishing to explore ways of deepening into creative relationship with the whole living Earth community. The modules are thought provoking and inspiring, the other people in the course are all doing interesting work and Cathy creates a vibrant space for the cross-pollination of ideas. Cathy is a fountain of kindness and… Read more “Carrie Lipps, creative changemaker, Oregon, USA”

Cathy Fitzgerald’s Ecoliteracy course far surpassed my expectations in materials presented and discussions. It is a valuable course at so many levels. I’ve been a practicing ecoartist for 12 years and educator for 25; despite my background, Cathy’s course was rich in knowledge that will continue to aid me in my teaching, personal studio practice, and ever-expanding community based art… Read more “Krisanne Baker, water-centric ecosocial artist | educator, Maine, USA”

I first met artist -researcher Cathy twelve years ago in my home town of Carlow, Ireland. Her course is packed with valuable resources, video links and readings.  Fellow artists, educators and policy makers from all over the globe met on the weekly zoom meeting ,  using the material for that week we explored ecological insights that promote paradigm shifts. On… Read more “Niamh Cunningham: China-based Irish visual artist”

The Haumea online ecoliteracy course provides participants with an essential toolkit to help them assemble a framework, within which to situate and develop their own eco-creative practices. Students are introduced to a wonderfully diverse range of perspectives, ranging from the philosophical to the psychological, from the sociological to the scientific, and how these distinct fields all intersect, impact and impinge… Read more “Fearghal Duffy, writer, medieval Irish scholar, Co Monaghan, Ireland review”

I had the pleasure and honour of participating in Cathy’s first 6-week Online Ecoliteracy course. I felt immersed in a process that was deeply informed and considered with a group that had a wealth of different experiences. I felt the learning environment was clearly held by Cathy’s inclusive, knowledgable and articulate approach alongside her collaborators. As a dance artist I… Read more “Siobhán Ní Dhuinnín, dance artist, Cork, Ireland review”

Ok, the preciousness of Cathy lies in her very unique combination of skills; a profound knowledge (scientific, artistic, activist, ecoliterate), an intrinsic sensitivity toward the natural world, and a loving nature, which seems to emanate from all of her doings; whether in one on one conversation, in her own creative practice, or thru the computer screen all thru the online… Read more “Katinka Ingleberg, photographer, writer, Sweden review”

‘Just as in her own art, where she is growing a forest, in her teaching she draws together the disparate roots, branches, leaves, seeds and flowers, leaving a healthy forest to flourish for itself. I am very grateful.’ I took part in the first pilot 6-week course on ecoliteracy that Cathy and her colleagues through Haumea organised. This course, the… Read more “Shane Finan, Artist, Wicklow, Ireland”

Cathy was extremely helpful and supportive as an interviewee for my undergraduate thesis, which was an exploration of how permaculture design principles might be applied to an art practice. Her explanation of her own work with continuous cover forestry gave me clear, practical examples of the kinds of ideas I was investigating. I also benefited from Cathy’s extensive knowledge and… Read more “Helen Roberts – Visual Artist, Ireland review”

It was a great pleasure to attend Cathy’s first ecoliteracy workshop. One of the most important aspects of the workshop for me was how it reflected the breadth and depth of Cathy’s understanding and passion for developing the interrelationship between art, ecology and sustainability. Cathy shared her knowledge of environmental thinkers and philosophers with such warmth, openness and generosity. She… Read more “Martina Hynan, PhD researcher, artist, activist, NUI Galway review”

If life gifts you the opportunity to work with Cathy Fitzgerald, consider yourself lucky. If you are a policy-maker, please listen to her wise counsel. If you are considering signing up for one of her courses, do so posthaste. If you are a patron of the arts, get out your checkbook and put a lot of zeroes after that first… Read more “Dr. Nikos Patedakis, philosopher and mentor, United States review”

I attended Cathy’s first ecoliteracy workshop, having struck up a friendship after hearing her speak at the Conference of Irish Geographers (2018) on art and sustainability. I was struck then by her ideas, and felt immediately the importance of her work. Here was someone finally articulating and speaking about issues with the urgency which I felt at the time, but… Read more “Kate Flood, PhD Candidate cultural ecosystems services, NUI Galway”

I completed a Masters in painting in 2017. As a long time professional artist I attended Cathy’s first ecoliteracy workshop in November 2019. I was not sure what to expect but was hoping for high standards I was not disappointed. She had a well thought out plan. What I found most impressive apart from her intellectual modesty and approachability, was… Read more “Helen Richmond, Artist, Kerry, Ireland”