3.1.1 Factsheet: Project «Self-Image»
Duration
30/10/2013 until 11/12/2013
Location
Kindermuseum Creaviva, Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern
Involved parties or persons
8 Patients of Siloah, an institution which cares for people with multiple sclerosis at Gümligen with their care persons (Betreuungspersonen)
Verena Wyss, Art Educator, Kindermuseum Creaviva
Peter Aerni, mentor and assistant of Petra Stokar during these workshops, Hochschule der Künste Bern.
Objectives, aims
The goal is to paint a self image for people with physical disabilities, caused by multiple sclerosis. With special creating tools. Discovering the possibilities they still have. Working with assistants of the people so they can continue the exploration at home.
Short description
The project was especially created around the subjects of self image. Because I was interested to know what image disabled people have of themselves. I also looked for the boundaries.
In my mind a self image is so much more than a portrait.
It can be abstract or figurative, unconscious or conscious. It explored the different ways in which a self image could be created. For example: people were colouring their own photos or we explored how music works when an image was created. We also visited the museum because we wanted to give the people inspiration for there own artwork, theoretical background and to get to know on of the most important artists that has lived in there own surroundings . In order to reach this goal different tools given to the participants, like the Magikmarker, bamboo sticks and sponges with special handgrips and the photoarm that we fixed on a wheelchair in order to enable somebody to paint that could not move here hands. If you want to see them at work you can watch the film on the next page “Self image how far can one go” .
Setting
The project took place in two parts: 3 times with the same group, 3 times with another group out of the same institution. The reason to do it twice, was to see if we would get the same outcome in each group.
For example would everybody be painting easier with the tools we gave them? That is for sure a clear yes. Or could everybody work longer? The course made it possible forth hem, that it was not needed to lift the arm. Like this people could go further. With the first group the image was clearly visible. Would the other second group also be able to create a selfimage? It was also there, but was much more abstract. Because they are creating it also with their own wheelchair. The precise way is difficult to find. Considering what tools they could use.
The Setting was in both groups the same. That was wonderful. Because we could support the people on the level where they were. And we would help them with an individual approach. The disability changes every day. The personal situations and conditions of the participants would have an impact on the setting for the whole group. Sometimes sick participants where replaced by a student completely new to the group. And this mostly took place in the second group. Nevertheless the output was remarkable.
Structure and Content
Lesson 1:
Trying out tools. Adjusting to atelier, table and material. Painting with wheelchair, hands, wood, brushes, with bamboo sticks. Every participant chose different tools to work with. Introduction to content of the workshop about abstract painting.
Lesson 2:
Studying Paul Klees work. Inspiration to use different tools, like balls. Visiting “Liebeslied” from Paul Klee, and looking for the impression, an interpretation of the participants. Some did this very figurative. Some continued working at the picture they started with in Lesson 1. Reading a text from Claudia Schifferle about painting with nature and natural elements. Followed by testing and experimenting the methods Schifferle is writing about. Another inspiration gave us Henry Matisse, with his method of drawing in one line. I chose different artists, because then every participants decides, which artist would attract her/him the most.
Lesson 3:
Introduction Lesson 3. Refreshing looking back at the work of Lesson 1 & 2. Working with music, and trying to understand the connection of painting and music. The music was created with the Hang. People started interpretated the music in their work, an interesting experiment with the influence of music. An astonishing outcome. Also on a physical level. Painting a self portrait (with the first group). Expressing and linking emotions to the painting. Some were painting over their own foto. Using the tools mentioned by Claudia Schifferle.
For an autitive and visual introduction and overview of the workshop, please check out our video on my website.
Methods
Alexander techinque and methods which make movement easier with the minimum of effort.
Drawining one line: a drawing method created by Henry Matisse
Experience
It was a good experience: most people could paint longer after this 6 lessons and some of them got more confidence in painting. Some of them even said that they got a possibility back that they thought they have lost. Another discovery was to see how easy it becomes to draw a selfimage unconsciously.
The introduction of Hang music and its influence was tremendous. For one it triggered memories of the childhood, and it stimulated him to finally be able to move his body and start painting. Music can break through resistances. It was a nice experience. There is so much as a teacher, it was surprising. So many things. Astonishing experience was that I was able to bring everyone to the point where she/he can paint. Also I discovered different ways of communication with people that could not hear well. For example writing the key phrases from the program on the paper. Not telling them only verbally.
Furthermore I was surprised by the fact that people with a difficulty to see, still could paint wonderfully. Although we remarked, that it was easier to paint for them on a black background. So that the colors will pop out. We also had to find solutions, to make it possible, that people could paint with their wheelchairs, on a paper on the floor. Normal paper was not strong enough. So we had to use white carton boards and tape it with strong tape onto the floor.
