Our first community social took place on 7th February 2023 at The NewBridge Project. We explored common ‘threads’ that link us as carers and parents whilst socialising over a cupper and experimenting with some basic hoop weaving techniques. Evolving from the conversation came suggestions of how best to build community via MOTHEROTHER.
On May 7th 2023, in our second community session, we explored collage. Looking at the works of artist Laleh Khorramain for inspiration and thought about layers and balance within the work as metaphors for care. Everyone enjoyed making their own unique collage images while getting to know each other.
Amanda Quinn took the creative lead in our third community session on September 12th 2023. Amanda gave us an insight into her own professional writing practice as well as helping us to explore some techniques writers use to inspire new ideas. We experimented with automatic writing and group poetry as well as responding to visual stimuli as a way to generate narratives.
For our final session of 2023, Kaltouma Hassaballah introduced her creative practice rooted in Sudanese traditions. On November 28th, we visited a smoke bath at her home where we learned about Dukhan. On returning to The NewBridge Project we enjoyed conversation and the amazing Sudanese coffee and treats which Kaltouma had prepared.
Our first social of 2024 took place on 13th February at The NewBridge Project. Sara Qaed led the session which helped us to reflect upon the ongoing tradegy unfolding in Gaza. Utilising one of her illustrations we considered the impact of the crisis upon mothers and their children, considering the impact of military action upon civilian populations, not just in the Middle East, but in war torn nations globally. Sara invited us to condider how we might begin to address such tragedies with our families and young people in order to support their undertanding of the current climate.