‘A walk in the park’

This exhibition is a creative response to my observations, immersive activity and further explorations of my research question: ‘How can engaging with nature through Inclusive Arts Practice support and increase social, physical and mental health? Working within restrictions set in response to COVID-19, ‘Art in the Park’ research sessions took place outside. A group of adults with learning difficulties and mental health issues, their carers, Grace Eyre support staff and myself met weekly in St. Ann’s Well Gardens where we embraced the elements of winter to share walks and interactive arts.

-The urban oasis offered a free canvas for participants to connect within the environment pushing boundaries for individual expression and collaborative activity in reaction to the limitations, climate, location, sensory interaction and nature’s resources. Through the multi-faceted experiences and benefits of what the simplicity of ‘a walk in the park’ can bring. I found value in the challenges and celebration of working with natures resources and changing elements. I mapped pathways and captured moments of engagement in urban green space between people, nature and wildlife.

I was Inspired by Ennui water- ground calligraphy, a physical form of art and poetry created in the urban parks in Beijing. I explored using water, mud and chalk, which brought a freeness and quality to my work, a ‘let it happen’ approach to marking the moment with movement. I found a profound primal playfulness and mindfulness through the use of natural materials and using a non-verbal narrative led by the resources, movement and connection to the canvas.

My exhibition questions how to transpose the connections and qualities I found working outdoors to indoor environments and practices. How can I create an inherently enriching creative experience with participants when the elements of nature are removed from their environment?

I value the engagement of inclusive arts and environmental activities to enrich lives and wellbeing. In my practice I collaborate with arts, health, environmental and education sectors and support social prescription programmes and ethnographic research.