The idea
The wonderful thing about clay is that anyone can take part - this project is suitable for children, adults, the elderly and families who can all join in to create together.
We will provide clay kits to residents of our local community in South East London to create a mug inspired by ceramics from their culture that they can keep and use every day! Along with online technical tutorial videos, we'll provide online and printed information booklets on how to develop ideas. Once completed, all the work will be fired, glazed and photographed for an online exhibition and then returned to their makers to be enjoyed forever! The cohort will then take part in a zoom presentation of their work to one another. This will enable the community to learn a new craft, learn about each other's' cultures and socialise during the pandemic.
What we'll deliver
- 200 clay kits
- Online art and clay discussion and research sessions
- Online and printed exhibition book of pieces made by our community
- A functional clay piece to keep forever!
- Online making tutorials
Why it's a great idea
We believe that working with clay has positive mental health and wellbeing benefits, improves hand-eye coordination, and can be a calming a soothing process. It's a great activity to keep your hands busy and mind focused.
Participants will gain an understanding of working with clay - even if they choose not to return their creation for glazing and firing (necessary to turn the piece into a functional object) they will have experienced what it's like to make using this material. This project provides an opportunity to try something new - to learn and build, which isn't easy during these trying times!
Our online presentations will give space for people to interact and be social, improve critical thinking and problem-solving.
At the end of the project the residents of our community will have learned about each other' cultures through ceramics. We hope they will feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction in being able to use their own handmade object in their everyday routine.
Steps to get it done
- Delivering 200 free clay kits to the community
- An exhibition online/book published by Mud Gang CIC
We hope to create a book of the pieces made and self publish it when the project is done. We will sell this through our online shop, give copies to local libraries and independent book shops. A percentage of proceeds will go towards the Trussell Trust.
