Busy Hands for a Quiet Mind

Aim

In a society where we feel we have very little control, this project will bring together artists to use their gifts as a catalyst for change

Our Journey

This journey started from the moment I was covered head to toe in paint and high-fiving a piece of paper, I just didn't know it until 22 years later! As someone who has struggled with anxiety in the past (as has most at some point in their lives) art has always been the one constant and always pulled me through the hard times. It is something you have complete control over, something that empowers you and something that encourages you to self regulate when 'fight or flight' kicks in. 

I was lucky enough to grow a little from the finger painting days and went on to study art at university. With an abundance of gratitude for having this opportunity, I wanted to give back to communities that don't have this same privilege. I began my mission by running art classes for a group of individuals who have Down Syndrome. I was inspired by their zest for life and compassion for others. It wasn’t long before realising the significance of the workshops for these individuals, and myself. 

Every art class, the attendees would open up that bit more each session. I didn’t offer solutions, or some profound explanation as to why society is the way it is, in return I would offer; consistent attendance in their lives, someone to trust and to listen to them without judgment, materials, and techniques to keep their hands busy and their minds quiet. Sometimes by the end of the session, the clay would be nothing more than a muddy, slippery mess - But that was okay because throughout our journey we realised it was never about the final product, the true purpose of the sessions only existed in the process. 

I am forever grateful to these ladies. In return for the art classes, they taught me so many invaluable lessons, one of these lessons was to use the voice I have which is how The Common Ground Collective was born! 

I left university and knew I had to continue my classes, and make them more accessible to others who didn't have the opportunity I had to experience the therapeutic nature of art. So, with an endless supply of love and support my three trustees gave me, I decided the next step for 'The Common Ground Collective' was to become a registered charity. 

Since setting up the charity, I have run multiple sessions for those with mental health issues and learning disabilities. As well as the general public for our fundraising initiative which we called 'Creative Action'. 

Our current situation 

So now, we find ourselves in a time where I have had no choice but to cancel all of our workshops for the foreseeable future. In a time that our sessions are most valid, a time that mental health is standing the biggest test of time for ALL individuals. Somehow after everything, we need our mission to bloom in the way it is meant to for those who need us. My mission still stands the same as before, to make art accessible to any one who feels they need it, any one who feels they need to keep their hands busy to keep their minds quiet; or perhaps if we can all take something out of this situation we find ourselves in, a new hobby may be just the silver lining people need. 

Whats My Idea 

In a society where we have or feel we have very little control, we have to be the change and kindness we want to manifest in the world. So I had an idea! I'd like to bring our workshops to your doorstep, for you guys to do in the comfort of your own home. I would like to put together a series of art kits which focus on your mental wellbeing through using art to self regulate. The initial kits will be a stay at home clay kit. This will include clay, tools and a how to guide, as well as online tutorials if diagrams don't cut it for you! The best bit is that these will then be fired in my home studio, so you can use them as functional ware such as mugs and bowls. You will then be invited to glaze them once the lock down has eased up! We will also be launching more kits, such as calligraphy kits and painting kits whilst collaborating with some of the very best artists in their fields such as @Loupaper_!

Each of us have been given some gift of some kind. Perhaps you have a way with words and you will know just what you want to write to make someone feel remembered using our calligraphy kit. Perhaps you'd like to paint a memory? And you have the ability to make someone feel loved who is alone through this time with our paint set. Or perhaps through your efforts and labour, you are able to afford to gift someone the art kit itself. Whatever it may be I want to encourage you to use your gift to bring joy and a sense of belonging to someone that perhaps is struggling in this time, and in return, I promise it will make you feel an abundance of purpose in return.

Why are art kits necessary now more than ever?
For me, making these art kits happen is a way to make one small step to giving back to those who don’t feel an abundance of blessings at this time; the people who are taking the time to heal their bodies, minds and hearts. A key contributor to anxiety and depression is being isolated from society, and now here we are. Lets make one step towards reducing anxiety and depression in these times.

Whats happening with the profit?

The profit of the art kits that we sell to the general public will go straight back into sustaining the charity, and eventually financially support us to continue our work for those who are suffering from mental health issues, Loss, Abuse and the unthinkable.

How will you give back to those who cant afford an art kit?

For every 1 in 5 busy hands art kits sold, we will also be gifting someone who finds themselves in a longer period of self isolation. This may be due to a profound learning disability, their age group or a medical health issue. Our kits will be there to keep those hands busy through this time, show them they are loved, valid and empowered; show them they are worthy of support from the community, even if it is just a small gesture. 

Okay I'm in, how can I help to make this happen?

Please, help us kick start our mission by providing us a small donation which will go towards materials, shipping and packaging. In a world where we have such little control, let's make this happen! 

We are hoping to raise £1500 to create our initial art kits.

This project successfully funded on 24th April 2020