Milly’s blog

Something that strikes me time and time again in my participatory work it is ALWAYS possible to surprise ourselves. People from all walks of life and lived experience have something to offer in a creative space. In a workshop setting – within the space of a couple of hours – some wonderful pathways can be opened up in each individual brain. There’s a reason why we shout about creativity being so entwined with our wellbeing – there’s a sensory experience that takes place when connecting with the materials. I witness the flow state that people enter; as their nervous systems respond to the world of visual art making. With the right tools and an open hearted approach – everyone can achieve that moment of surprise. I think it’s a healing thing. A recognition of possibility. A moment of pride. In many recent workshops I have delivered – particularly with older adults – I have heard reflections of the power of simply ‘being’ together and connecting through making.

A space is filled with the sounds of cutting and sticking and scribbling and this symphony becomes a creative conversation amongst humans who may have had no immediate connection when they first came the space. It’s a magical thing.

About the artist:

Milly is a creative facilitator, community project leader and visual artist. She uses playful, collaborative methods to invite community groups, professional teams and individuals to expand their worldviews and work their creative muscles in a caring environment; cultivating curiosity and inclusivity. She has a combined arts background of both the performing and visual arts and have worked across a rage of organisations and environments across the UK and internationally. Recent projects include creative wellbeing workshops for Age UK, Artist-in-Residence at Winchester Science Centre collaborating with young people, developing a visual timeline for CHICKENSHED’s 50th Year, designing a paper activity trail for the RSC and co-leading an immersive community film and art project with BarrowFull.