Meet Susan, an art:links participant
art:links reduces the isolation of vulnerable older people. The project aims to build skills and confidence, giving participants a chance to express themselves and connect with others. For four weeks in July 2022, members of Age UK Islington took part in ceramics workshops with Create artist Sam Haynes.
Susan (60+) told us about her experience on the project.
“I gave up being a perfectionist some time ago.”
Susan
“During this project we’ve been using clay, and I for one hadn’t used it since I was at school when I made a clay pot. We were helped and encouraged and shown how to do things. I don’t know what to call what I’ve made. It could be a holder for joss sticks, those long straw-like things. Or if family came to dinner I could put some breadsticks in there. I started the project feeling really tense but I felt very relaxed by the time I’d had my hands in the clay for a bit. It was really nice.
“It’s very unusual for me to do something like this. My job is sitting in a chair talking to people. My children are quite artistic but I’ve never been tempted to do anything myself. I think you get to a point at a certain age where you don’t want to do things badly, but now I’m past caring. I’m just enjoying it. I gave up being a perfectionist some time ago but this is the first time I’ve done anything like this so I didn’t expect too much, I just thought ‘enjoy it’. I know I’m not going to be really good at it but I really enjoy doing it.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting the other people and seeing what they’re doing. I enjoyed meeting Oli [Create Project Manager] and Sam. She’s very clear, and you don’t feel like you’re not getting enough attention. She’s very good. She has a nice, clear voice as well.
“I’ve learnt that there’s a lot to learn. I don’t know when I’ll get another chance to do it, but I enjoyed it, so I’ll look out for a class. It’s just a very nice, relaxed atmosphere.
Making creativity accessible
“In a typical week, I’d be meeting friends and going for a walk in the park, or to an art gallery. I think my favourite gallery is the Courtauld.
“I don’t normally get a chance to do creative things, unless you count cooking something interesting, but actually holding material and creating something, I don’t get many chances. So it felt very good and it was fun! I’ve learnt that it’s okay to enjoy [the process] and not make everything perfect.
“I think when you get older, you don’t want to go and try something when everyone’s much younger in the room and knows what they’re doing. So [Create projects] make it feel very accessible. It’s nice to meet different people, too. When you’re my age a lot of your friends start falling off the perch. If I bumped into any of my fellow participants in the future, I’d stop and talk to them.”
This project was supported by The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington (via The Mercers’ Company).