I have had two meetings since initial conception. And things are already moving ahead!

Make It Happen is the 2015 theme for International Women’s Day, encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women. I intend to Make it Happen, with my own work and with the help of the women of Leeds, with that in mind I have decided to focus on the theme of the Self Portrait.

I will be facilitating a series of workshops, which will be delivered to existing women’s groups, and as drop in sessions, to work on this theme. Looking at what constitutes a self portrait, self portraits in a historical and social context, and how we deliver our stories visually.

The workshops will also have an element of writing, to accompany the stories we engage.

The workshops will be developed to celebrate achievements of women, no matter how small, and recognise themselves as strong women, and to give others hope. As a woman, this is something I often find a challenge, recognising my own strengths and achievements, I am hoping that this project will allow my own personal journey to continue and to finally believe, that “Yes, I can!”

I’m excited to say that I have the backing of Love Arts Leeds,  and will be working with Priya Sidharh from One Billion Rising Leeds.

I am currently applying for funding, but would appreciate any further interest of funding and backing. I am also interested in finding workshop and exhibition space, women’s groups to participate in the workshops, printing or any other ways you feel you can help.

If you are interested in getting involved please get in touch.

In this workshop we explored without our sight, and created stories and drawings based on what we smelt, felt or heard.

There was a selection of smells, which included – fresh ginger, coffee, hops, star anise, lemon grass, vanilla, fresh cinnamon and coconut; selection of hidden objects in canvas bags, which included – fluffy, soft, hard, prickly, squigdy, warm, cold, smooth and rough; and sound effects playing in the room, which included – cities, seaside, farms, animal safari, rain and thunder, forest and nature, restaurant chatter, airports and countryside.

The participants first closed their eyes and smelt the aromas, felt the objects and listened to the soundtracks. Then inspired by this, they drew a picture or created a story. It was great to see the participants, of all ages taking part and finding stories which provoked memories and conversation. Baking was a popular one, with some children requesting they make cakes when they get home.

This is a selection of photos from this workshop.

Photos by Mat Dale

I’ve been privileged to work with Artlink as their resident photographer, documenting the Get Started project during 2014. I have been invited back to document the 2nd year of the project, which I am looking forward to.

Get Started is funded by the Big Lottery Fund for a 3-year multi-media arts project, across multiple independent living residences in Leeds, supporting individuals with learning disabilities, and mental health issues.

Here are a selection of images I have taken for the 2014 workshops (sadly I am not at liberty to show some of the lovely smiles that I encountered around Leeds). I was quite excited to see my images upon the walls at Bramley Fullfilling Lives Service and in the residence of a lovely lady I met today whilst doing a referral for my job with Mencap, it’s great to see my various occupations crossing paths.

I’ve started a new photography group, Leeds Photography Excursions (LPE). We plan on visiting places around Yorkshire documenting our travels. Any one can join, it is not just for professionals, but it is definitely for enthusiasts, you need to be ok with the walking and then the stopping to take photos.

Our first outing was to the gorgeous Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. It was cold and windy, with snow still present in some places, but the sun was out and made it gorgeous for photographing. I have some medium format film to develop, which I have shot using my late fathers TLR, I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I’ll post the images when I get the film back.

See How You Feel

I ran my first workshop at The Tetley on Saturday, and gave drawing a technological twist. Armed with their camera, I encouraged the participants to take a real good look around the building, asking families to explore The Tetley, making note of what they were thinking or what they felt as they took the photos. Looking at the architecture, the view, the fixtures and fittings, the artworks, the colours, textures and shadows, they came back with some very interesting images, and some very interesting cameras too! I’ve never seen toy digital cameras before, it’s fab to see children using technology at such a young age.

On their return, I printed an image out of their choosing, and then it was up to them to embellish the prints with what they were feeling or thinking at the time. The children do have delightful and spectacular imaginations.

It was also lovely to see generations, collaborating on the images and sharing their time together as a family. Art really does open the mind and bring people together.

The following images were taken by Mat Dale, my friend and photography partner, who also assisted me in facilitating the workshop.

The finished images were hung on the wall to create a ‘See How You Feel’ gallery.

You can find out what photographer Mat Dale is up to by following him over on Twitter

The finished book can be viewed and purchased here.