As part of our research and development project our creative consultation sessions are run with a view to developing long lasting partnerships with local groups who are at a disadvantage from being able to access the arts or to have an arts practice. During these sessions we discuss the plans for the new art space being built in leamington and ideas around how the service users may access it. We share some images of how the space might look, where it is positioned in Leamington and what facilities it may have. This is with a view to understanding how accessible it needs to be for people from diverse areas of society. We also ask the service users what facilities they would like to access at the new art space and whether they could see themselves coming to take part in activities and or visit. During the sessions we hold these informal discussions with the service users and charity organisers and film the activities and discussions.
Emmaus charity works across Coventry and Warwickshire. They’ve been helping people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, since 1993. Emmaus is different because they provide a home for as long as someone needs it in an Emmaus community. This gives people the opportunity to take stock of their lives, deal with any issues they might have, re-establish relationships with loved ones and where they can access work opportunities, training and the opportunity to support themselves and one another. Emmaus social enterprises generate revenue that pays for companions’ home, food and upkeep, as well as providing a small weekly allowance. This is key to restoring feelings of self-worth, showing these individuals that their actions make a real difference, both to their own life, and the lives of others.
We met with a small group of 2 companions based at Emmaus Coventry for their sessions for 3 hours over a period of 4 weeks. We kicked started the creative sessions off with demonstrating the 3 main hand building techniques: pinch, coil and slab. We shared some design images of what could be built and discussed any ideas the mums had about what they wished to create. Over time as word spread about the companions work, we had 1 more participant to the group making 3 in total.
In the second week we continued to work on building the design up in height, width and form and smoothing the surfaces where needed. The third week was dedicated to considering decoration; further demonstrations were shown using a mixture of ceramic tools and found objects which could be used to apply textures, shapes or patterns to the surface of the clay.
During the last week colour were added using underglazes; a final demonstration was shown on how to use the special brushes to apply the layers of underglaze paint and how a layered or brushwork effect could be achieved.
Over the weeks, the companions grew in confidence and their creative work flourished. As the companions grew to trust us, we had some very meaningful discussions regarding their hopes and plans for the future. One companion shared his other artwork he had created and some creative writing he had completed. As well as some wonderful designs, the companions desire to access more creative sessions in the future were expressed. woe said we would look into future funding to allow them to access them. and we were very proud (as they were) of what they managed to create over the last 4 weeks. Some meaningful discussions took place regarding the new art space being built in south Leamington and future partnership ideas were forged. We very much look forward to working with Emmaus in the future.