Sian Burns
Can a structured programme of art work inspired by nature improve the wellbeing of participants?
Currently teaching in a secondary school in Blaenau – Gwent I passionately employed art to inspire and support pupils through the lockdown period. Encouraged by the positive impact the NEF (New Economics Foundation) 5 ways to wellbeing had on the wellbeing of pupils, I investigated how a similar approach could positively impact on the wellbeing of staff while exploring the synergy between my own art practice and the development of creative wellbeing sessions.
Five after school sessions embraced the 5 ways to wellbeing each taught different skills and techniques. A phenomenological, co-creative approach developed meaningful outcomes. Quantitative and qualitative data identified improvement in participants’ wellbeing.
I explored self-reflection and the influence of the workshops on my practice. Producing work Inspired by pebbles I collected during a run of the Offa’s Dyke Path. Interjecting the map lines I followed through pebbles linking them in time and space. Shadows cast by pebbles in cyanotypes created an ethereal glow their vast history of secrets finally seeping out.
I shared my creative practice with participants opening up sustainable opportunities for them to explore, create and support their own wellbeing.
As an act of resolution, I pinned a pack of Cyanotype postcards along the Offa’s Dyke path, my gift to passing ramblers, the next chapter in the pebble’s story.
