As
it was the final session, there was a few activities we needed to do;
evaluating and reflecting, finishing off our silk scarves, selecting images for
the ward exhibition and (our favourite bit!) a final playful experiment
combining all the different elements created during the project.
We
had a challenge on our hands today, collectively we were looking to decide on 6
images from the photographic documentation and digital artwork over our 10
weeks project. These 6 images will be printed onto canvas for the walls on the
ward. Let’s put it to a vote! Rozi and I selected about 30 strong images
beforehand which we projected large on the wall for patients and ward staff to observe
and vote for a permanent place on their ward. This generated lots of
discussion, reflecting on our many techniques, thoughts and experiences.
“I
love looking at the canvases on the walls in the ward – It makes me want to
have a go at that! They brighten up the place.”
“The
large collaborative fabric painting [in week 1] allowed us to chat to each other
in a way we don't usually.”
“It's
good to have something to take away at the end of a session. To show people, 'I
did this'.”
The
last part of the session was a joyful immersive play with light, shadow, a miniature
wire man a participant created in week 4 and our painted silk scarves and waxed
fabrics made in weeks 1, 8, 9 and 10. By hanging, draping, layering,
suspending, projecting these elements, time seemed to stand still.
The
room became a landscape for our imaginations to run free; a story emerged. A
participant remarked “He’s carrying a heavy load.”
We
took it in turns to be the photographer, puppeteer, set designer. Ward staff
came to watch and enjoy the show. None of us wanted it to end because we were
so absorbed in our discoveries.
Thank
you to everybody for making this project happen. The sessions have inspired and
motivated the participants whilst experiencing extremely complicated emotional
difficulties, as proven by some lovely quotes here:
“I
came here to occupy my mind and help the way I think.”
“The
artists and the sessions were uplifting and great to be around. I wish I could
have made it to more of the sessions. I hope the artists come back again. I
think Artlink is fantastic, fun and extremely creative.”
“I
would like to develop my own projects in my spare time, now I know how.”
Bryony
and Rozi
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