Cat Eliza T reads Roald Dhal's The Witches
What unusual times we are in. Coronavirus has changed our lives, and we’re now in lock down. People are worried what the next few months will bring for our loved ones, the NHS and our communities.
In order to keep spirits up and develop new ways of coping with social isolation, we thought we’d share some of the positive art-based initiatives from Southampton.
Zoielogic’s online dance rehearsals
Last week, Zoielogic Dance Theatre put on their first ever virtual dance rehearsal for Fuzzy, their male youth dance group. Using the online meeting tool Zoom, they were all able to see each other dance whilst tuning in from their front rooms.
In order to keep spirits up and develop new ways of coping with social isolation, we thought we’d share some of the positive art-based initiatives from Southampton.
Zoielogic’s online dance rehearsals
Last week, Zoielogic Dance Theatre put on their first ever virtual dance rehearsal for Fuzzy, their male youth dance group. Using the online meeting tool Zoom, they were all able to see each other dance whilst tuning in from their front rooms.
Powertex art with Donna Mcghie
Online art workshops and tutoring
Artist educators are looking at providing online tutoring. Donna Mcghie from Art and Murals has started blogs to show how to do powertex projects.
Powertex is a fabric hardener and can be used to make 3D objects, jewellery, paintings and more. Donna will be focusing on really easy projects that don't take up too much space, or make too much mess. That said, she has had a request for a highland cow, so watch this space if you fancy a bit of large scale sculpture too! Here is Donna’s first blog: Simple Step by Step Powertex Project - Art and Murals
Virtual art galleries
Gods House Tower has launched a virtual tour for their new exhibition by Laura Eldret & Paul Vivian “Those Who Look Out & Those Who Look Back” . Have a little tour here from the comfort of your armchair or bed. Galleries like Solent Showcase are exploring how to move their content online too.
Artist educators are looking at providing online tutoring. Donna Mcghie from Art and Murals has started blogs to show how to do powertex projects.
Powertex is a fabric hardener and can be used to make 3D objects, jewellery, paintings and more. Donna will be focusing on really easy projects that don't take up too much space, or make too much mess. That said, she has had a request for a highland cow, so watch this space if you fancy a bit of large scale sculpture too! Here is Donna’s first blog: Simple Step by Step Powertex Project - Art and Murals
Virtual art galleries
Gods House Tower has launched a virtual tour for their new exhibition by Laura Eldret & Paul Vivian “Those Who Look Out & Those Who Look Back” . Have a little tour here from the comfort of your armchair or bed. Galleries like Solent Showcase are exploring how to move their content online too.
Storytelling
Storytime, with Vie Storytime sessions for the under 8s are being offered by Vie from Vieness, a body confidence social enterprise. The stories will be via website Zoom, which means that everyone can chat too. Head over the VieNess’ Facebook page for more details.
Bugger Off It’s Bedtime Whilst musician Cat Eliza T is normally found gigging around Southampton, she’s reinvented herself as a bedtime storyteller. Every night at 7.30pm Cat will be reading Roald Dhal’s The Witches through a Facebook live event Bugger Off Its Bedtime.
Storytime, with Vie Storytime sessions for the under 8s are being offered by Vie from Vieness, a body confidence social enterprise. The stories will be via website Zoom, which means that everyone can chat too. Head over the VieNess’ Facebook page for more details.
Bugger Off It’s Bedtime Whilst musician Cat Eliza T is normally found gigging around Southampton, she’s reinvented herself as a bedtime storyteller. Every night at 7.30pm Cat will be reading Roald Dhal’s The Witches through a Facebook live event Bugger Off Its Bedtime.
Greg Gilbert, Convalescence Drawing, 2020
Greg Gilbert draws
And its not just about what we can do collaboratively. People are also taking the time to use art for personal reflection.
Greg Gilbert is a Southampton artist who speaks openly about living with cancer. He is now self isolating with his family, to protect them all from the coronavirus. He explains how important drawing is to him:
Just over 3 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. My visual practice to that point had been concerned with realist biro drawings and an engagement with old photographs, newspaper cuttings etc. But the diagnosis seemed to unlock a separate stream of imagery, one articulating the anxiety and fears of my new situation albeit through surreal and unconventional scenes. The drawing here is a work in progress that continues and expands this sequence,
says Greg Gilbert
You can find out more about Greg’s work on Instagram @greggilbert-artist
And its not just about what we can do collaboratively. People are also taking the time to use art for personal reflection.
Greg Gilbert is a Southampton artist who speaks openly about living with cancer. He is now self isolating with his family, to protect them all from the coronavirus. He explains how important drawing is to him:
Just over 3 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. My visual practice to that point had been concerned with realist biro drawings and an engagement with old photographs, newspaper cuttings etc. But the diagnosis seemed to unlock a separate stream of imagery, one articulating the anxiety and fears of my new situation albeit through surreal and unconventional scenes. The drawing here is a work in progress that continues and expands this sequence,
says Greg Gilbert
You can find out more about Greg’s work on Instagram @greggilbert-artist
Drop Me A Line: Instagram @friend.claudia
Drop Me A Line
Artist Claudia Friend is helping everyone make something together! Make a line – draw, scribble, sculpt, build, fold, paint, create or find a line – just one - curved, colourful, straight, loopy, dotted, thick, thin…get creative!
Send the pic to Claudia on Instragram, Facebook or email doloresfroh@gmail.com including your name, location (e.g. Hampshire), Instagram tag…and anything else you’d like to say. Let’s see how far it can reach!
Delicious singing
Choirs and singers are exploring virtual ways of connecting with music. For example, Delicious Sounds Choir, led by Fiona Funnell, is offering her choir members videos of vocal warm ups and songs to sing together from the comfort of our own homes.
Choirs and singers are exploring virtual ways of connecting with music. For example, Delicious Sounds Choir, led by Fiona Funnell, is offering her choir members videos of vocal warm ups and songs to sing together from the comfort of our own homes.
Online sessions from across the world
Check out the facebook group Quarantined Art/Music Revolution, helping to connect people from across the world, and livestreaming art and yoga sessions
Check out the facebook group Quarantined Art/Music Revolution, helping to connect people from across the world, and livestreaming art and yoga sessions
What else have you heard about?
Know of other great ideas that are helping people use art to help with isolation? Tag us in social media so we can tell others:
Facebook Twitter
We're all about how arts and creativity can help with health and wellbeing.
Join our mailing list and come to our meetings - you'd be very welcome. More here.
Keep safe everyone x
Know of other great ideas that are helping people use art to help with isolation? Tag us in social media so we can tell others:
Facebook Twitter
We're all about how arts and creativity can help with health and wellbeing.
Join our mailing list and come to our meetings - you'd be very welcome. More here.
Keep safe everyone x