Making Spaces was an installation art module run by myself and Kate Warner for Suffolk Artlink's jumpstART project. Working with adult artists with learning and physical disabilities, the module explored the diverse field of installation as an art form; working to develop each artists individual style, reaching their full potential. whilst making professional links and inspiring new work. Many of the artists embraced this way of working and created their most ambitious projects to date through this module. As well as creating inspiring new work, the module initiated professional links outside the project, helping the artists to maintain their practice.
James loves music, dancing and making art, however he finds drawing difficult sometimes due to his disability. This was something he really wanted to explore, so we worked with him to produce an embodied drawing experience to facilitate his expression without limitation. He created an performance piece where he donned a drawing suit with adapted gloves to enable him to express his enjoyment of his favorite music through dance. James stood in a drawing pod he had constructed from a hoop and reams of paper, and moved to the music. James made marks and patterns with his expressive movements, creating live drawings as part of the Making Spaces exhibition in Bury St Edmunds.
Ruth is a remarkable artist who has a very strong sense of style. We wanted Ruth to have the opportunity to try something bolder and truly encompassing. Ruth decided to create her largest work to date. Monster Land was born; a huge piece stretching 2x3meters.
Johnny is phenomenally productive when it comes to drawing and making his artworks. He has very defined interests, in bumper cars and dancing. We helped him focus to bring these two things together to create a series of 2D and 3D manifestations of his favorite things for the Making Spaces exhibition. This is a snapshot of a handful of his many drawings he covered and entire wall with, creating an immersive visual experience through his eyes.
