Group: Carer Support Services, South Eastern Trust
Arts Care Artist: Ruth Osborne
Title: Transformations in Silk
Participants: Lois, Imelda, Enid, Perpetua, Heather K, Julie Ann, Helen, Caroline, Patricia, Doris, Valda, Karen K, Karen M, Dawn, Audrey, Claire, Heather Y
About the project:
Carer Support Services provides comprehensive support, information, and advice to individuals who provide substantial care to a family member, friend, or neighbour who is frail, ill, or has a disability. Individuals connected to the Service come from all walks of life and their experiences of providing Care are both shared and unique. Having space to focus on yourself alongside the role of Carer, can be in constant flux. The aim of the Here & Now sessions with Arts Care was to provide space and opportunity for each participant to ‘transform’ into a creative identity that could exist alongside that of being a Carer.
The participants met in Saintfield and Downpatrick and over the course of the sessions created a series of nature-inspired silk artworks that were unique to them. The emphasis was on using the medium for creative expression, learning new skills, and transforming initial ideas into textile art using a range of techniques and mediums to bring their ideas to life.
The artworks created express ideas, hopes, and inspirations. Displayed as a collective work, each piece is individual but expresses connections. The illuminating lights within the display bring the work to life and reflect the spark of creativity within us all that can be nurtured.
Council Area: Newry, Mourne and Down
Group: Newcastle Art Group
Arts Care Artist: Caroline Shimmons
Title: My Transformation
Participants: Kerry Ann, Theresa, Roisin, Bridget, Dana, Cathy,
Mirian, Goretti, Patricia
Click here to see a video of the group
About the project:
The Newcastle Art Group explored the theme of transformation, reflecting on how they have changed as individuals or how people, moments, or experiences have shaped their lives. Each participant brought a photograph that held personal meaning, using it as a starting point to create beautiful textile collages that wove together memory, emotion, and identity.
Kerry-Ann’s artwork reflects a journey of self-love and weight loss, and how this transformation has reshaped her life. It speaks to her taking control of her health and embracing a more positive outlook, capturing both her inner strength and renewed sense of self
Theresa retraces the journey of her great-grandparents on a train holiday to Kiruna, Norway. Her piece captures the Northern Lights, evoking the moment the sky transformed into a magical, otherworldly landscape. This experience left a deep and lasting impression on her, reflected in the beauty and atmosphere of her work.
Roisin’s piece highlights how Janet the owner of the Hub an ADHD café in Newcastle, has transformed her life. This is a tribute to her showing a passion and love of life and friendships.
Bridget’s textile collage reflects how family and friendships have transformed her life. It explores the shift that comes when her children leave home to follow their own paths, and how this change opened the door to new beginnings, encouraging her to step out, connect, and form meaningful new friendships.
Dana’s piece represents her on life’s journey, with the swan symbolising freedom and the transformation she has experienced as she begins this new chapter. The butterflies represent her children, her new partner, and her stepchildren, each one reflecting love, growth, and the beauty of change.
Cathy’s piece reflects the journey of life and how she has transformed from youth to the present day. Inspired by the black and white tones of old photographs, it captures a sense of memory and time passing. The chequered patterns symbolise life’s many shifting pieces, moments of contrast, choice, and change woven together over time.
Marian’s piece represents her in all her shining glory. The photograph was taken at a family wedding, one of the happiest days of her life. It reflects her love of life and the way her family has shaped and transformed her into the person she is today.
Goretti’s artwork celebrates the transformative power of pets, and how they can turn a life of loneliness into one filled with love and companionship. It reflects the deep bond we share with our animals, and the joy and comfort they bring. She will never be without a furry friend again.
Patricia’s artwork is inspired by her childhood, growing up near Tollymore Forest, and how nature has helped transform her life. It reflects the way the natural world keeps her grounded, offering both calm and inspiration. The landscape of Newcastle, where the mountains sweep down to the sea, continues to shape and influence her sense of place and creativity.
Council Area: Newry Mourne and Down
