I SEE you, creative project for parent/carers

“Creativity means I can cope through the worst days. It’s like magic. It's the thing that brings daily, minute by minute magic.”  Participant, I SEE you.

Project Aims

Artist Lois Blackburn seeks support for postal art packs to reach parents/carers of children with non-visible disabilities, such as autism, diabetes, and epilepsy, across the UK.  These parents face many challenges, including financial strain, lack of self-care time, communication difficulties, societal stigma, and isolation.

The project ‘I SEE you’ main goals are to provide a creative outlet for relaxation and connection. It offers a platform for parents/carers to share their stories, hopes, and fears through creative activities. This helps them slow down, take a break from their demanding lives, and improve their well-being.

The aim is to enable parents/carers to express their experiences through their own words and embroidered artworks, fostering connections with others facing similar challenges and ensuring their voices are heard.

By participating in creative activities and a touring exhibition, the project empowers parents/carers to build a positive self-image, enhance self-esteem, and boost confidence.

Join us in this meaningful endeavor by supporting Lois in reaching out to parents/carers, helping them find solace, validation and connection through creativity.

Bringing us together

No matter your embroidery experience, whether you’re an expert or a beginner, your contributions are valuable and warmly welcomed.

I will guide you through creating your piece. You can work on it alone or gather with friends to make your artwork together.

In my art practice, I often create issue-based pieces using quilt making. My goal is to create vibrant, evocative, and approachable art that connects people and values everyone’s contributions, whether professional, amateur, or hobbyist.

About me

For 14 years (2006-2021), I co-directed the arts company arthur+martha. During this time, I led artistic projects with various marginalized groups, including isolated older individuals, those at risk of homelessness, individuals with dementia, war widows, and caregivers.

My recent project, ‘Comfort: the breast quilt’ (2022-2023), involved 180 women and teenagers. Most participants reported feeling more positive about their breasts and experienced a boost in self-assurance and body image after completing the project.

I have showcased my work both locally and internationally, in the UK and beyond. I am passionate about bringing art to diverse spaces, from Bingo Halls to renowned museums and galleries.

Artist Lois Blackburn, with previous project:  'Comfort, the breast quilt.' 

Why £300?

My project ‘I SEE you’ has received support from Arts Council England. I am now seeking your help to raise £400 in match funding. These funds will support the mail-art work.

A participant from my recent project, ‘Comfort: the breast quilt,’ shared: “I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to communicate your feelings to other women, which made me feel less like an outcast and more included.”

Your contribution will go towards:

• Match funding for the support from Arts Council England
• Working with more people facing financial barriers to participating in art
• Supporting 100 parents/carers across the UK
• Covering the costs of postage, packaging, and materials for mail-art packs

By supporting this project, you will play a vital role in ensuring the continuation and success of ‘I SEE you.’ Together, we can promote art as a means of communication and inclusivity.

Terms & Conditions: 

Rewards will be posted or hand-delivered locally from 27th November 2024, using Royal Mail 2nd Class postage to UK destinations only. If you want a pack sent outside the UK, please contact me directly for additional postage cost.

Zoom and face-to-face workshops can be booked from 28th November 2024 until the end of 10.01.2025. If we cannot arrange a suitable time, a full refund will be offered.