Playing with the Light Co-creating Artistic Research with Adoptive Parents
This project developed from wider creative arts activities with communities in West Yorkshire, including arts and health projects led by The Art House and creative programming for adopted children and young people led by Seaglass Collective.
Back in November 2022 we held a series of evening creative workshops at The Art House for adoptive parents, including print-making and ceramics, as part of the Re-Emerge arts and health programme. The response to these was incredibly positive, demonstrating a real need for creative well-being focused activities for parents of adopted children.
Our work - research and practice-based - over the past few years had also raised questions for us about the important role of the artist-educator in community programmes. We therefore decided to work together to co-produce a participatory research project, drawing on all our different experiences and our diverse expertise.
We invited three creative practitioners to collaborate with us as artist-researchers, creating a programme for parents and allowing time to reflect on their practice with communities. Our team also included parentresearchers, who all produced reflective journals over the course of the project.
This zine is a visual representation of the workshops, and the experiences of artist-educators and parents - across photography, sculpture and ceramics.
Dr Jessica Bradley, Principal Investigator
I really enjoy connecting with people in my role as Darkroom Coordinator at The Art House.
It’s wonderful to see someone’s mood lifted through creative activity.
Right
Everyone left with a big smile on their face. It was certainly great for our mental health.
from the start I was made to feel welcome.
When I went to the park today, I was more aware of my surroundings and the plants that would make good photos.
I’m looking forward to discovering the impact of the workshops and having the opportunity to co-author a piece of academic research.
Fear is a barrier. Some adoptive parents can be low on confidence because of the daily battles they experience.
The project has given me time to be someone other than a mum. Time to explore the different creative practices that are on offer and to build those connections with other adoptive parents.
It was really nice to just rip paper and colour. Do the types of things you let your children do but never do yourself.
I’m
a theatre maker, performer and creative facilitator. Play and imagination is at the heart of everything I do.
Looking round the room
I noticed other people exploring different techniques. There was a real happiness amongst the group - almost like therapy.
It’s great to be with other adoptive parents, who just get it. You don’t have to say how difficult or lonely it can be because they know.
I started by rolling a block of clay out between the levellers. I then cut around a circle to form the base and scored the edges.
I feel that we have built up a strong bond. Everyone is so friendly and it’s really easy to chat and have a laugh.
There was an air of increased confidence, and a truly relaxed, friendly and safe atmosphere.
I’ve been a ceramicist for nearly 10 years. Since working at the Art House I’ve taken on the role of facilitator which I’ve come to love.
One of the main barriers that I’ve come across is the sense of what is right and wrong. I always try to get people to let that go.
Finding space to play, experiment, and be creative can have a really positive impact.
The impact of these workshops has been amazing. It’s been wonderful to work with a group of participants really in need of taking time for self-care and really appreciative, insightful and open about their experiences.
Diane Saxon, The Art House
It was particularly interesting to observe how participants quickly formed very open and supportive relationships with each other. It was clear participants felt they were in a very understanding environment, and I’ve never taken part in a workshop with so much laughter before.
Kelly Amoss, Seaglass Collective
Research team
Dr Jessica Bradley, School of Education, University of Sheffield
Kelly Amoss, Seaglass Collective
Diane Saxon, The Art House
Artist-researchers
Natalie Bellingham
Emily Ryalls
Hannah Way
Parent-researchers
Helen Gourlay
Charlene Tyreman
Paula Wall
Zine production
Dr Louise Atkinson
