WEEK 27
artists in attendance 13
Oooo I’m making them think again!
The artists brought in their memory objects and we just told each other our stories for the whole session. It was great for the group to get to know each other and talk about other things rather than art. It has brought them closer together yet again.
The next session the members started to review their memories and study them in a visual way, some are making collage some are pencil drawing but non as yet are thinking about putting the memory in. how will they create the essence of a memory the feelings the thoughts in a visual form. That’s going to make them think. A couple of new artists are struggling with the concept of the group they have told me they just want to learn to draw, that’s ok I said but I cant teach drawing as such you just have to find an object and draw it practice and a few pointers makes you a drawer. I took one of the new artists into the park to find something to draw, as I purposely don’t have books so people can’t copy. We found some old thick ivy branches and brought them back. After a bit of explaining that you can draw bits of it and change things if you think it would be a better picture, she produced an excellent first try. I think she just needs some confidence building (don’t we all?)
My other new member has macular degeneration so she finds it difficult to see what she id drawing. I have given her some white board markers and she is trying her best. Maybe I shall get her to model her memory in clay, if she brings an object she could have a go at modelling it from using her touch. Next week I shall suggest it and see what she says.
Next week more memory and how to tackle getting feeling into an artwork
WEEK 26
Artists in attendance 11
This week the artists start a new project, Memory.
We started the session by making a mind map, mapping out one particular memory and seeing where it lead us. The artists then chose one particular memory that came from their map and were asked to respond to it creatively. This is sometimes hard as many people feel they cannot think up their own ideas but since the abstract project I can now remind them of all the process they went to get to their final pieces. After this reminder they all managed to get on and produce something, not masterpieces but a start. There is a misconception in our group that you can produce a finished piece in 2 hours, yet again I remind them it took 2 months to produce the paintings for the abstract exhibition. I think its important for the artists to think for themselves many groups that I have come across for the older generation just tell them what to do, in fact only last week I saw a group that had been given printed out sheets and were asked to colour them in. eeeek how patronising!!!!
For next week I have asked the group to bring in an object that has memories attached to it, this will give the individual a chance to share their memory with the rest of the group, hopefully solidifying the group even more.
WEEK 25
Artists attending 11
After our exhibition I decided we needed to do art for arts sake, for no other reason than fun! Today I have given the group syringes, sticks, rubber gloves, big decorating brushes and paint. I set up the floor with massive sheets of paper and set chairs around it. The group had to make their own painting implements as the brush handles weren’t long enough to reach some people filled rubber gloves with paint and cut holes in them, some squirted the paper and each other with syringes! And some made the most fantastic brush handles with the sticks. Everyone had lots of fun sloshing paint around. The equipment provided made it impossible to add fine detail so the group had to be free with their strokes and patterns.
Next week back to it!
Next project is about memory
WEEK 24
The exhibition is up and the guests are here the place is buzzing. We have canapes and bucks fizz. The artists are smiling, conversing with the public and feeling very proud of themselves. Its time for my speech. Here goes
Hello and thank you all for coming.
I’m Trae and I’m the artist in residence here at the holt pavilion café and I facilitate the Wednesday art group “the pavilion artists”.
Whilst I have a captive audience I just wanted to tell you a bit about why this arts project is different from most and why it is so valuable to our community.
When sue asked me to come and work here I was given free reign, so I started to think about my arts practice and what it gave to me. For me art is a place to ask questions and have questions answered a place to feel happy, relaxed, confidant and most importantly to have fun. I do it for no other reason than the enjoyment of it. If occasionally I sell something then that’s bonus!
I wanted to help the group find in themselves these same results, to take away the pressure and stress and to do art for arts sake. The artists in this group have not only an art group to come to they have a network of friends, a supportive community and a place to talk and laugh. The group are constantly challenged by myself to push their ideas and not to worry about the out come.
All the works displayed are a crescendo of a 3 months abstract project. Have a look around wonder, ask questions, delve into you imaginations re visit memories and enjoy this gift from us to you.
today the artists have sold 5 paintings from the 14 displayed. what a boost it is to sell a painting.
next week group work with sticks and syringes
