Quarriers Carers from Moray and Aberdeenshire rekindled their creativity last autumn through the Creative Paths programme.
Guided by visual artist Nicola Kennell, the first phase of the programme focused on a blend of guided outdoor walks and online activities, with participants coming together to celebrate their achievements at an online celebration held just before Christmas.
Between October and November, small groups of up to 10 people were led by Nicola on several mindful and accessible walks with creative tasks through designated routes in Aberdeen, Moray and Aberdeenshire, supported by Quarriers staff.
While moving along a riverbank, shore or woodland of the area, participants were encouraged to record sights, sounds and smells through sketching, painting, colour mapping and automatic writing in journal pages.
For the online sessions, participants were invited to explore watercolour, pastel work, mono printing and collage through experimentation and test pieces using materials selected by Nicola and provided by Quarriers.
Drawing on each individual’s interest and inspiration and considering line, colour, texture and pattern, the sessions culminated in participants making a decorative Accordion Book to celebrate the new techniques and ideas created.
Throughout the online sessions, opportunities to build connections, share ideas and offer encouragement and inspiration to one another were highly effective and greatly appreciated by the participants.
Supported by Creative Scotland funding, Quarriers Carers Support Services in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray are working in partnership with Findhorn Bay Arts to deliver a programme of creative activity to activities to carer groups and individuals connected to Quarriers.
The second phase of the Creative Paths programme is due to recommence in January 2022 led by artists Dawn Hartley and Quee MacArthur.
Participants Feedback
“It’s a lovely feeling; I didn’t realise how much I enjoyed the collage.”
“I really enjoyed it; it’s taken my mind off (challenging) things.”
“The social side of it has been really great too.”
“I learned such a lot from the sessions.”
“It’s 20 years since I did any art and it’s got me back on it again!”
“I was told I was rubbish at art at school. Being given the materials (and online sessions) has helped me get back into it.“
”The collage has really inspired me.”
