Attended Anna Dumitriu’s workshop at the Wellcome collection in June 2013 which ran in conjunction with Souzou: Outsider Art from Japan. Described as an opportunity to .." create your own textile-based artworks and learn more about the issues raised in the exhibition, like mental health, autism and learning disabilities, as well as the notion of 'outsider'. Explore ideas about occupational therapy, creativity, language and the 'flow state', and how the availability of materials affects the making process. Work hands-on with a range of materials and learn simple techniques such as appliqué, needle felting and embroidery, as well as ways of working with recycled or found materials." Flow for me is that state of mind when I am completely absorbed in what I'm doing and time seems to stand still. All focus is on the activity and nothing else. There is an explanation about flow here.. After a short talk and slide show we were let loose amongst an array of fabric, yarn, wool, papers and thread. My anxiety level immediately rose.. What should I make? What material should I choose? How should it look? Too much thinking not enough doing.
After a few false starts I settled for a piece of knitted fabric and some wool roving. Once I stopped trying to make a 'something' and just got on with it the process took over and the outcome mattered less. The result was these ugly little handfuls which are surprisingly tactile and fit the palm of hand comfortably. Each was made from one piece of fabric folded or twisted in on itself and the edges stitched into place. Not sure I will take them further but it's a possibility. It was a relaxing way to wile away the time.
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