On Monday 11th March 2024, We re-created the mobile structure from our prior workshop, but made it into a large scale installation in order to create an environment within the space representative of the participant's depiction of a 'Safe Space'
We installed the base of the structure, which participants would install their contributions on, in the CAP Space at RCA Battersea.
The Workshop started with a writing exercise I restructured to explore the themes of nature as a healing force through a question posed as a poem. I encouraged the participants to utilize mindfulness to draw inspiration of a time where they felt at peace or safe, or create a new space / memory for those who cannot think of a time they felt at piece.
I allowed the Participants to approach this exercise in any form they'd like, a poem, a list of words, a sketch, whatever feels accessible to them.
The writing exercise however turned into a drawing session as most people actually drew places of a safe space, or abstract depictions of their emotions e.g. lines depicting fluctuations in mood or turbulent experiences.
This workshop was interesting as compared to the last workshop, participants in this workshop found more interest in learning new ways of utilising material and were excited by the rag dolls and wool weaving shown by Qinghau and Wenjie rather than responding to their text like the last workshop. I wondered if having a larger group made people more hesitant to use the workshop an opportunity to explore personal matters in the work more openly - However, the participants who never met each other before had become friends at the end of the workshop, chatting as they were making, and made plans to go out for food afterwards!
From this workshop, i learnt different participants will approach the workshop in various ways and the impact of the workshop each time has different impacts - exploring happy memories, learning new techniques, or making new friends.
But all the outcomes, you can see a positive change in the participants and that is the outcome we as a group strive for.
-Julia
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