We have chosen to define ‘Raw’ as being in a natural, human state of not being subjected to adjustment. As a group we explored this primary belief further by experimenting with our individual perceptions in conjunction with society’s habitual instincts and preconceived ideas.  We investigated current social conventions in regard to our own personal areas of interest such as, female empowerment, instinctual touch, emotional vulnerability and community, death and loss and visual sensitivities.

 

The range of processes used to interpret these themes include tactile and illustrative methods. The manipulation of materials explores the reactive nature of human instinct and the narrative inspired by social conventions.  This is depicted through both physical and conceptual means. 

 

The art work aims to create a connection to the wider community through promoting communication and sparking a debate about key social themes. By stimulating discussion we aim to question people’s beliefs and cognitive processing. We decided to incorporate a reflective space to give the viewer the opportunity to process our emotionally charged themes in a safe, contained space. This is to enable the viewer to leave the exhibition in the same psychological state in which they entered.

Professional Practice

 

The most important thing about Creative and Therapeutic Art is that it is accessible to everyone. As a practitioner, art gives us the ability to focus on each person and design a session that focuses on their individual needs and abilities. As a group we have applied these skills to work with both children and adults from a range of backgrounds, such as people suffering from domestic abuse, homelessness, dementia, or children who are refuges or have severe learning disabilities as well as many others. Art is such an adaptable and malleable tool that is can be manipulated to accommodate a person’s skill and interest level to help their physical and mental wellbeing.

 

However, it is a misconception that art has to result in an end product, and that you have to be ‘good’ at art to engage with therapeutic art work. As Creative Arts Practitioners, we believe that the process is the most important part, as it allows the participant to engage and investigate these new materials. Which in turn, can help the participant in developing areas, such as, social interaction, communication skills, and self-confidence. We believe that therapeutic practice is as much about the environment and the interaction with the facilitator as it is with the art work itself.

 

Our future ambitions include post graduate studies (such as Art Psychotherapy and Counselling), to begin our own freelance facilitation practice, work with organisations that specialise in supporting people who have experienced domestic abuse and working within educational settings.