Professional Practice
Evidence of engagement beyond the studio. For example, projects, collaborative or solo exhibitions, workshops or career related experience.
Running Community Workshops
Crocheting Nature Workshop
On this day, I hosted a crochet workshop in a local cafe, where participants learned the technique of crochet and how it can be used to create natural forms in fibre art, such as flowers and greenery. A lot of the participants were complete beginners and had never crocheted before. The first half of the workshop was dedicated to learning basic stitches, abbreviations and how to read the provided pattern. I was really impressed with how well the group picked up on the technique and created beautiful flowers. I also received some very positive feedback on the workshop, with most expressing that they would want to return!
The goal of this workshop was to begin working with the community, a stepping stone into my social volunteering work. This will begin my training as an Art Therapist, as not only will working with the community to provide a helpful and therapeutic service contribute to my work experience, but it is a dream of mine to spread creativity within my local community. The workshop also allows me to think about how I work with people, teach them techniques and help them in a constructive way.
Since this workshop was so successful, I plan to organise more, and potentially add elements of these workshops, such as flowers to my tapestries, so that the pieces in my show become collaborative and connect the people to their landscape.
Poster Design by Jackson Buckley. Photographs of the event taken by Mia Slifkin-Stones and Myself.
4-week Watercolour Painting Course
I am currently running a 4-week-long Painting workshop to build up my experience working with people therapeutically. I was asked to run a 4-week painting course, as part of becoming an art therapist involves teaching people new skills. Teaching participants how to paint from a beginner's level will help them build confidence to paint and continue using that tool as a form of therapy.
Painting is one of the most popular types of art therapy, as it acts as a non-verbal language to express emotions and trauma in a safe and healthy environment. Therefore, practising transferring these skills is an important step in training to become an art therapist, so I can confidently facilitate these services. All of the people who attended the painting workshop were elderly, looking to make friends or learn a new hobby. It was rewarding to provide a service to the lonely and elderly individuals, a reason why I aspire to become an art therapist.
Poster by Jackson Buckley. Worksheets by Me. Photographs by Myself.
Art Commissions
Yellow Rose Painting - a Response to Donna Ashworth's "Yellow" Poem
As well as beginning my training as an Art Therapist, I am also developing my Professional Practice as a Fine Artist, expanding my "Rayven Fine Art" name further. I was commissioned to paint a response to Donna Ashworth's "Yellow" Poem for retired Statistics Professor, Dr John Pemberton.
Even though the majority of my artistic practice is textile-based, I still find painting valuable, as it helps me observe the landscape and render ideas quickly, which I can then turn into large-scale weavings that represent it.
I decided to depict a yellow rose, as it represents life and new beginnings and aligns with the poem's themes and was simple, yet meaningful for the viewers. John presented the painting to Donna Ashworth during one of her events, spreading the Rayven Fine Art name.
Photographs by Myself and Kathryn.
From Left to Right: The Painting on my Instagram page. A photograph of the whole painting, including the custom frame I built for it. A photograph of John and his wife recieving the painting. A photograph of the painting with Donna Ashworth.
Art Exhibitions
'Imprints' Exhibition at The Salutation Pub.
I participated in the 'Imprints' Exhibition at the Salutation Pub on 15th April, to gather insight and inspiration on how I will display my work in the Degree Show. The exhibition was a celebration of the work in progress towards the Degree Show and a test of possible ways of curating the final show.
I think that the way the woven tapestry was suspended was successful, as it allowed the viewers to interact with the piece more. Forcing them to go around and view the weaving and its interesting textures from various angles. I would like to experiment with incorporating natural materials, such as the branch sculpture, when suspending the piece. This is important to play around with the shape and allow the piece to flow more organically, rather than rectilinearly. I believe that this may further convey the naturalistic contexts of my work.
One problem I had whilst exhibiting was the installation of the photography. We weren't allowed to drill holes or hammer nails into the walls, meaning that hanging picture frames was difficult. I tried command strips and hooks, but they did not stick to the textured wall. Therefore, I had to display the frames on the table, with natural materials around them. Even though it was not how I imagined the display to look, I believe that the curation of the exhibition still looked professional and effective.
Photographs by Myself.
Victoria Baths Open Studio Exhibition
I also participated in the Victoria Baths Open Studio on the 28th April. I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to curate my artwork in an unconventional exhibition space. It was challenging to find a way of displaying my work in a Victorian swimming pool. However, this exhibition would broaden my skills in curating and adapting to the complexity of various venues.
Firstly, I attempted to display my work in one of the changing rooms. This would immerse my viewer into the environment in which my work is based, by forcing them into an enclosed space with the weaving, paintings and photographs. However, the changing rooms were dimly lit, small and out of the way, meaning that it would not be an effective location for people to view my work.
I then moved my work into the pool, draping my weaving from the railings alongside, so it flowed into the pool. The ceiling above the pool was glass, therefore the lighting worked better, allowing the rich colours to become more prevalent. I realised from this exhibition that my weaving works better in a brightly lit environment, as the colours and textures of yarn create important context in my work, which could not be conveyed as effective in a darker environment.
Photographs by Myself and Hanne Ellemann.
Signing Up for Volunteering
Glossop Arts Project
Volunteering in a setting where qualified individuals can provide support for the vulnerable is crucial for my journey to become an art therapist. I have applied for a role with Glossop Arts Project to help support sessions for those in need of support or who have learning disabilities. This will help me to gain experience working specifically with people in need. I am yet to find out whether I have secured a role.
