Grow Through What You Go Through (2024) by women from all walks of life
Cards have always been used to send messages of love and support. This Mental Health Awareness Month, a group of women from all walks of life came together to answer “Can we send a better message than the impersonal and overused ‘Get Well Soon’” to acknowledge mental health struggles in our close friends and family?
Over six creative sessions at HMP New Hall with HOME Artist Facilitators Lucy and Cara, participants discussed and explored messages of love and support for people we care about when they go through hard times. We reflected on words and messages that have been most helpful to us in our lives and things people have said that have stuck with us. We chatted about what we wish someone would say.
To create our visual imagery, we experimented with printmaking techniques and mastered the mindful (and fiddly!) process of using tiny LEGO pieces to map out intricate designs to create a 3D relief that can then be printed with ink and a roller. Participants tested and stretched the technique enthusiastically, pushing to discover “what will happen if I mix colours this way… layer the designs at this angle… try doing this backwards?”
To create our messages of support, we turned to even more nostalgic tools, some participants typed our messages using an old typewriter, and others set out on the brain-twisting challenge of mapping out lettering in LEGO backwards, in order to appear the right-way-round when printed with ink. Throughout the process, we shared a lot of laughs, pushed through tricky moments, supported each other immensely and learnt to enjoy the misprints.
The 10 individual thoughtful designs came together to create a set of cards that are on display at HOME during Mental Health Awareness Month. Over 500 cards were produced and in our final session together we wrote messages to each other, and for ourselves to read in the future.
A participant said: “I felt quite chilled in the session, it took my mind off things.” Another participant said: “The highlight for me was seeing my design come together.”
Cara Looij, HOME Artist Facilitator said: “Women that are in prison are more likely to face Mental Health struggles, and often face stigma because of their circumstances. These participants are experts through experience which meant they brought thoughtful ideas to the workshops which inspired their designs. This was a space for participants to explore their feelings towards both their own mental health (as well as others). Creativity and female support networks can allow for difficult conversations to happen with a feeling of safety no matter what the circumstances and that’s really powerful!”
Lucy Follon, HOME Artist Facilitator said: “As a result of the women’s creative work on this project by Novus, over 500 people will receive a message of care and support held within one of their fantastic designs. I think that is really a beautiful gift. I hope whoever is reading this is further inspired by this exhibition of work to share some love today.”
This project was delivered in partnership by NOVUS and HOME artist facilitators Cara Looij and Lucy Follon. Novus provide learning and skills in over 50 prisons across England and Wales. For more information on Novus and their arts and enrichment provision, visit novus.
