Inspiring communities….

Today, my 38th Birthday no less I thought I’d write about the incredible experience I’ve had working with communities across Milton Keynes this past year. I’ve been lucky enough to work with such a broad range of excited, enthusiastic (sometimes shy at first!) people of all ages. It’s a real pleasure to be there with people at the moment they realise there creative potential. That moment it clicks that “Hey I can do this”. The thing I’ve found most enjoyable is seeing families, friends taking part in something that puts aside all issues of age, gender, background or even ability. Art does have that going in its favour I think. The tactile, earthy nature of the clay gives people a real sense of connection with what they’re doing. They really are getting ‘lost in the moment’ from a creative perspective. This I would argue is something we could all benefit from. That chance to free the mind from the usual tasks of the day and immerse yourself in some creative practices.

The skill level and knowledge of the groups I’m working with has really improved over time. They are starting to understand how the different stages of pottery work. Especially that it’s not a quick process! I love the moment when I bring freshly fired work straight from the kiln back to the groups. Their eyes light up! Whether it’s a first fire or the completed shiny glazed piece.

Some weeks I’ll be working with a small group of six year olds and they’ll all decide for some reason today is about making snails. I literally had loads of snails to fire in the kiln one week! Then I’ll be at an adult mental health support group and the creative ideas, suggestions and finished work is a joy to see. I love the diverse, mixed and ever-changing nature of the groups I work with. I’ve really enjoyed the ‘Time For Me’ groups at Children’s Centres where parents are given an hour away from the kids to be creative. The ideas, individual creations and the hilarious conversations have been a pleasure to be part of.

I’ve been running an after school club for parents & their children at a local school called Great Linford Primary since September 2013. The club has grown from strength to strength and the parents love the clay making as much (if not more) than the children. It’s been a great way for me to support the school to strengthen the relationship between parents and the school itself. One little girl has already stated that the club must run until she leaves in year 6!

Even young people who are sometimes given the right off in terms of expression through art have taken part and engaged with the clay. Some of the youth workers commented on how they were able to use the opportunity to engage the young people in some serious, productive discussions during the workshops. I think the pottery sessions I run can do that. They almost become more about the social connection with others as much as the activity itself.

I have plans to enable the groups I work with to move to the next stages and begin theming there work and hold exhibitions across Milton Keynes. Exciting times ahead….