From Reflection to Creation: The Journey of Co-Creating Art from Pandemic Memories
By Adil Iqbal
In the wake of a world-shifting pandemic, art emerges as a beacon of hope and healing. Such was the vision of Remembering Together, a unique initiative that delved into the collective memories of the pandemic to co-create impactful artworks.
Adil Iqbal, Remembering Together's storytelling associate, met with artist Marion Parola from Bespoke Atelier (a Glasgow-based company working on the West Lothian memorial project). She explored the art of co-creation inspired by collective pandemic memories. Embracing digital engagement and community consultations, they addressed themes like home, isolation, and nature, culminating in impactful artworks such as the 'dream garden'. Despite pandemic-induced challenges, their efforts promoted well-being, connection, and artistic expression, paving the way for future projects.
In my second conversation with a trio of artists – Cat Meighan, Hector MacInnes, and Sinéad Hargan from the Scottish Highlands, I delved into their profound journey of exploring pandemic memories through art. Utilising sensory methods, they evoked powerful reflections on lockdown experiences, emphasising the sounds and smells that resonated with many. The artists highlighted the complexities of co-creation, blending their roles as creators and facilitators and translating community feelings into tangible art.
West Lothian: Digital Dreams and Garden Hopes
West Lothian Phase 1 workshop
Marion's journey with Bespoke Atelier highlighted the significance of digital and community engagement in artistic creation. With in-person consultations becoming relics of a bygone era, the pivot to a digital platform brought revelations. From profound admissions like "I sit here, watch and wait" to communal brainstorming sessions on themes of home, isolation, and the rejuvenating embrace of nature, West Lothian's diverse demographic found a voice.
One of the program's crowning achievements was the 'Dream Garden'. Through a collage workshop video circulated to nearly 80 schools, creating a 'dream garden' became therapeutic, prompting conversation, introspection, and an opportunity to rebuild. Beyond the collages, the tapestry of emotions found expression in textile art and heat transfer, the most poignant being wall hangings by local young people reflecting their pandemic journey.
Highlands' Sensory Journey: Soundscapes and Aromas of Lockdown
Sinéad Hargan ringing a bell as part of the Highland project
The Highlands trio, on the other hand, delved deep into the sensory aspects of art, emphasising the often-underplayed sounds and scents of the lockdown. Sessions like "The Lost Cacophony" urged participants to traverse memory lanes, reminiscing about the ambient noises lost to isolation.
For these artists, co-creation was not just about weaving a piece of art; it was about bridging communities, fostering open dialogues, and acting as catalysts to translate raw, unfiltered emotions into tangible creations. With the vastness of the Highlands providing both a challenge and canvas, the artists evolved a participatory methodology, ensuring community voices weren't just heard but echoed.
The Intricacies of Co-Creation
As the artists delved deeper, they found that co-creation wasn't a linear process but one interspersed with negotiations, collaborations, and transparent conversations. Cat Meighan emphasised that artists aren't just creators and facilitators, bridging the gap between imagination and expression. The relationship between paid artists and volunteering community members was a concern. Still, most community participants preferred a flexible involvement, relying on the artists to translate their thoughts and feelings into tangible art.
Hector MacInnes highlighted that due to the vastness of the Highlands and limited interaction hours with communities, it was imperative to be transparent about the project's objectives. The focus was gradually shifted towards a participative and interactive methodology.
Drawing from the vast reservoir of shared memories, the Highland artists crafted an illustrative report – a rich tapestry of visual cues, text, poems, and questions that encapsulated the diverse experiences and insights from the communities. There was a collective sentiment among the participants: the mainstream narratives often overlooked their stories. The artists thus felt compelled to explore a platform or archive that would echo these untold tales. However, this journey was emotionally taxing. Immersing in stories of loss and grief, the artists often found themselves weighed down by the heavy undertow of pandemic narratives.
Challenges, Discoveries, and the Power of Reflection
The journey, while enriching, was challenging. While the Highland artists being based in Inverness, Caithness, and Skye provided an existing network, establishing new connections in places like Ullapool and Speyside was difficult. Feedback revealed that the project's broad approach sometimes missed the inherently individualised experiences of the public.
Interestingly, two contrasting sentiments emerged from the engagement efforts. While some voiced anger and displeasure regarding the handling of the pandemic, others cherished the lockdown as a period of reconnection. The artists recognised the importance of respecting these diverse experiences and avoiding over-generalisation.
The pandemic altered the typical workings of artists. In-person consultations became obsolete, leaving artists like Marion in the solitude of their studios. However, artist meetings by Greenspace Scotland offered a silver lining, fostering connections and shared insights. The "Remembering Together" programme’s first phase emphasised quality over quantity, cultivating profound ties with communities. Collaborating with the West Lothian Council provided a paced yet focused platform to amplify the voices of the community.
The essence of the Remembering Together initiative was not just to create but to heal, understand, and reflect. Reflection became the gateway to communal healing. Engaging communities through these sensory experiences emphasised that art, in its purest form, can transcend words, reaching the core of human emotions.
Legacy and The Path Forward
With a legacy of connection, well-being, and artistic expression, Bespoke Atelier stands on the cusp of more groundbreaking projects. These endeavours, rooted in co-creation and reflection, promise to further the mission of blending individual and collective experiences, sculpting them into timeless art pieces.
In Conclusion: The Heart's Echo in Art
The Remembering Together initiative stands as a testament to the resilience of communities and artists alike. It's a stirring reminder that even in adversity, the human spirit finds ways to connect, heal, and express. By honouring both the collective and individual narratives of the pandemic, the artists have not only crafted masterpieces but have also underscored the power of reflection, remembrance, and reimagining in the realm of art.