When designing creative workshops connected to my Through Ice and Fire exhibition at the Polar Museum, a major consideration was obvious - it would not be possible to use any form of heat in our making 🙁. So, with temperature being an important factor in my creative process but outright impossible to use within our ‘workshop’ space, I needed to come up with a strong alternative! Something safe to use that, just like my ceramic paste, could be manipulated when wet but would dry rock hard and stick to stone, glass, wire, sand and mesh. What I opted for is a cross between plaster of Paris and papier mâché in the form of a white, slightly lumpy dry powder, which mixes with water to form a stiff paste. And it works brilliantly.
During these workshops in November, we first spent time in the exhibition where we doodled using either words, drawing or wire manipulation. Then, letting materials lead the way back in the workshop and placing emphasis on creation not end result, we based our making on thoughts and discussions around geology, art and science. Both visually impaired and sighted attendees worked intently, with ages ranging from 18 to 80 taking part, and together they produced this phenomenal collection of work.
Thoughts and ideas came to life in the form of 3D tiles (using tile backer board as a base), with the addition of a beautifully written poem, two paintings and some paper cutting too.
Their use of colour and texture, and a dedication to material exploration whilst letting go of expectation, was brilliant all round. Truly inspirational!
It was an absolute privilege to experience such free-flowing creativity. I’m so proud of everyone who took part.
